History and Breed Information
The Kunekune (pronounced: Coonee Coonee) pig breed is believed to have descended from an Asian domestic breed introduced to New Zealand in the early 19th century by whalers or traders. The native Maori people of New Zealand adopted kunekune (kunekune is a Maori language word meaning "fat and round".
By the 1980s, the kunekune was almost extinct and it is estimated that only 50 purebred kunekune remained. It is due to the recovery efforts of Michael Willis and John Simister, who started a breeding recovery program, which led to the encouragement of other recovery efforts. Today the breed numbers in the thousands and with it's placid nature, unique appearance, and excellent pork, it is a perfect breed for the small homestead.
In 1993, the first two kunekunes were imported into the United States from the UK. It is now recognized that the following bloodlines are registered in the United States:
** Sow Lines ** (Total 16)
Aria Giana (imported from NZ in 2010)
Awakino (imported from the UK in 2011)
BH Rebecca Gina (imported from the UK in 2011)
Haunene (imported from NZ in 2010)
Jenny (imported from the UK in 2005)
Kereopa (imported from the UK in 2011)
Manuhiri (imported from NZ in 2010)
Momona (imported from NZ in 2010)
Rebecca Gina (imported from the UK in 2010)
Rona (imported from NZ in 1995)
Sally (imported from the UK in 2011)
Tapeka (imported from NZ in 2010)
Tarutaru (imported from NZ in 2010)
Trish (imported from the UK in 2005)
Trish (imported from the UK in 2011)
Wilsons Gina (imported from NZ in 1995)
**Boar Lines** (Total 11)
Andrew (imported in 2005 from the UK)
BH Tutaki (imported from the UK in 2011)
Boris (imported from New Zealand in 1995)
Mahia Love (imported from NZ in 2010)
Ru (imported from the UK in 2011)
Te Whangi (imported in 2005 from the UK)
Tonganui (imported from New Zealand in 1995)
Tuahuru (imported from NZ in 2010)
Tutaki (imported from the UK in 2010)
Tutanekai (imported from NZ in 2010)
Whakanui (imported from NZ in 2010)