New habitats along the waterfront for kororā

Not many people are aware that the rocks along the waterfront aren’t just for decoration. They make up the revetment, a protective structure made of impact-resistant materials which protects the waterfront thoroughfare and parts of the central city from coastal erosion. 

Over the past 50 years, some of the rocks have slowly started to dislodge and fall into the harbour. This has caused the soil beneath the rocks to erode, putting the promenade at risk.

In the past few weeks, Wellington City Council has been strengthening this structure, with the goal of future proofing the revetment. While this is being done, work is underway to also create safe homes for kororā to live. 

Before starting the works, the Council surveyed kororā activity in September 2024 using wildlife detector dogs to sniff out penguin scents. 

This survey showed that there were 10 locations along the 190-metre section opposite Frank Kitts Park where kororā were detected. 

Wellington City Council Marine and Coastal Project Manager Joel De Boer says that while the main rock work is happening to protect the waterfront, it’s been a great opportunity to make the area more kororā friendly.  

“When the original rock revetment was put in, there was no geotextile fabric laid, which means the rocks just went on clay. Over the years, the rocks moved creating crevices that the penguins could nest in.

“We wanted a collaborative approach for this so we brought an ecologist and our contractors together to discuss how we could still create an environment for the penguins while also strengthening the area. We came up with a plan to create homes out of sumps, turning them on their sides instead of standing them up. We didn’t want to take their homes away, so we’ve replaced and improved them.” 

Ecologist Leigh Bull believes that this approach will still attract the penguins while keeping them safe. 

“The coordinated approach of working with the contractors means that the safety of kororā is always top of mind.  

“Any time there is a rock removal, we head out to monitor the area and bring in detector dogs to assist with checking for penguins.” 

These checks proved to be beneficial to kororā even before the work began, adds Joel. 

“When they did the first dog survey, a penguin was found down the southern end. They went back the next day and saw the same penguin in the same place, but the tide was starting to come up and they thought that wasn't right. The ecologists determined that the bird had fallen into a void and couldn’t get out. 

“Workers came to move the rocks away by hand. When it got free, it just shot straight into the harbour. If we hadn’t been doing the work we wouldn’t have rescued it.” 

Urban Ecology Manager Daniela Biaggio says that this project is one of the examples of how we can focus on environmentally friendly solutions. 

“We know that putting nature at the heart of decision-making helps us build a more resilient city. Nature can function with and as infrastructure, like how planting dunes can replace rock walls, and infrastructure can also provide for wildlife, as we are doing along the waterfront.

“We are protecting the city while also creating homes and improved habitats for the kororā that share the harbour. New ways of weaving nature and infrastructure are essential for us to deliver a creative capital where people and nature thrive.”   

The Council is working closely with Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, our Tākai Here partners, to honor the significance of this site due to the presence of kororā and its location along the coastline of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.  

Charlie Rudd, Kaitohutohu for Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, has supported this project to ensure kororā are protected through a cultural lens. Working alongside Council and ecologists, Charlie has helped guide habitat decisions and monitoring in alignment with kaitiakitanga.  

“This partnership ensures the wellbeing of kororā and honours their place in the whakapapa of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.” 

Works are expected to finish in June, weather permitting. Work will be restricted to 50 metre sections at a time for health and safety of the public with safety fencing around the work site. Find out more on our website.