Birds of a feather flock together on coastal beaches

The Wellington coastline is a vital refuge for many indigenous manu (birds), 37 native bird species to be exact, with more than half (20 species) classified as threatened or at risk. 

Since 2018, annual surveys along 55 kilometers of Wellington’s coastline from Petone Beach to Oteranga Bay have identified four key areas essential for indigenous coastal bird populations.  

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The great news is that despite the urban nature of much of the coast, these areas support rare breeding colonies and critical nesting habitats for species like the kawau tikitiki, pohowera (banded dotterel), and matuku moana (reef heron).  

Seven are considered regionally critical, including the pakahā (fluttering shearwater), māpunga (black shag), kawau tikitiki (spotted shag), matuku moana (reef heron), kārearea (NZ falcon), tarāpuka (black-billed gull), and taranui (Caspian tern).  

Wellington City Council’s Urban Ecology Manager Daniela Biaggio says each of these coastal areas play a critical role in the survival of Wellington’s indigenous birds.  

“By understanding and respecting these natural spaces, we can help protect the region’s unique biodiversity. Whether you’re visiting for a scenic view, a fishing trip, or just to enjoy the coast, taking care to minimise disturbance to these bird habitats goes a long way in preserving Wellington’s coastal bird populations for generations to come.  

“Human disturbance from off-road vehicles, fishing, and other activities threatens sensitive breeding grounds, especially for ground-nesting birds. The last remaining important breeding areas for our native coastal manu are areas with limited access, ruggedness and remoteness which tells us that with a bit more care in how we share the coast with this taonga species we may be rewarded and encounter them more often.”  

Coastal birds can be big travellers and the total numbers of kawaupaka (little shags) and kawau tūī (little black shag) in the harbour during winter far exceed the size of breeding colonies present in the Wellington region, which suggests many of these winter visitors must be arriving from breeding sites outside of the Wellington region.  

While Zealandia is celebrated for its forest bird conservation, it also plays a crucial role in supporting coastal birds through its wetland restoration, as does Predator Free Wellington’s efforts in eliminating threats to nesting birds. 

Climate change poses an escalating threat, with 58 percent of threatened species impacted by human-induced environmental changes. Wellington’s leadership recognises the urgency to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity protection into coastal management.  

Wellington City Council and mana whenua are developing Tātou ki Uta, a new Coastal Reserves Management Plan to guide the management, protection, and enhancement of Wellington’s coastal reserves, parks, and beaches.  

The public is invited to share their ideas and feedback to help shape this plan. To participate and stay informed, visit the Let's Talk page. Coastal Reserves Management Plan | Let's Talk  

• Oruaiti Reserve: Oruaiti Reserve on the Miramar Peninsula is home to Wellington’s only mainland nesting colony of the kawau tikitiki (spotted shag). The reserve’s steep cliffs and rocky stacks provide safe breeding grounds for this species, as well as tarāpunga (red-billed gulls) and tara (white-fronted terns). Predator Free Wellington efforts have successfully eliminated rats, stoats, and weasels here, greatly improving nesting success, off lead dogs however remain a threat.  

• Taputeranga Island: Taputeranga Island is a key breeding area for the rare matuku moana (reef heron), hosting around 20 percent of the region’s reef heron population. The island’s rocky platforms provide convenient access to feeding areas, helping the herons care for their young without long foraging trips. Taputeranga also supports nesting red-billed gulls and variable oystercatchers. Its isolation keeps disturbances low, making it a vital sanctuary for these coastal birds.  

• Wellington South Coast (Oteranga Bay to Te Rimurapa): This stretch of coastline supports important populations of pohowera (banded dotterel) and pīhoihoi (New Zealand pipit), representing 8 percent and 13 percent of the regional totals respectively. The birds nest and feed on the open beaches and nearby grasslands. However, recreational activities like off-road driving cause disturbances that threaten breeding success. Managing human impact is essential to protect these vulnerable species.  

• Southern End of Wellington International Airport Runway: The gravelly foreshore at the southern end of the Wellington Airport runway provides the only breeding habitat for pohowera (banded dotterels) on the city’s eastern coast. The open gravel and herbfields offer ideal nesting conditions, allowing these birds to breed away from many predators and urban threats. Maintaining this habitat is crucial to support their continued presence in the area.  

For more information, go to wcc.nz/coastalplan or letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/coastal-reserve-management-plan