Kororā thrive in new Frank Kitts Park rock revetment

The new retaining wall on Wellington’s waterfront has been constructed to shield the promenade and protect the area from coastal erosion, but rehousing the kororā was always a priority. 

The rock revetment project Manager Joel De Boer says the team was fully committed to finishing the job on time, on budget and creating suitable habitats for the popular manu. 

“It was great to be part of an engineering and resilience project where we not only protect the city from the sometimes harsh harbour environment, but also enhance the habitat for the local kororā,” says Joel. 

With the exception of a single bird that was briefly rescued for a quick welfare check, no other birds were handled or needed to be relocated during the construction process.  

Daily detector-dog sweeps sniffed the rocks before work began each day, and if kororā were found within the site, construction was paused in that area and directed to another location for the day.  

The team were able to carve 27 burrow-style homes by laying concrete culverts on their sides and embedding them within the rocks, hidden from sight yet perfectly sized for kororā to nest in. 

Ecologist Leigh Bull notes that the culvert structures blend seamlessly into the revetment, while added planting was a ‘bonus for the local birds’. 

Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika shared their pride in supporting the Frank Kitts Park rock revetment restoration, reflecting on their deep kaitiakitanga responsibilities to te taiao and to taonga species like the kororā.  

“This project shows what’s possible when cultural values, ecological care, and engineering excellence work hand-in-hand. Seeing the kororā return and thrive is a tohu of success and a legacy we can all be proud of. Mā te mahi tahi, ka tutuki!” says Charlie Rudd, Kaitohutohu for Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.

DOC were also thrilled with the outcome, especially noting how the team managed to create a safe habitat for a species that face many challenges in Wellington’s urban environment.

Now, these plucky penguins are the real stars of the waterfront. The seawall has become a bustling hub of birdlife and activity, and the kororā have moved in and are enjoying their new homes. 

As dusk settles, passers-by have been treated to the antics of these little locals. So, next time you’re heading along the promenade, keep your eyes peeled, there’s every chance you’ll spot one of our feathered friends darting into their brand-new waterside home. 

Working together - embracing te taiao, the project team involved engineers (Tonkin & Taylor), ecologists, Department of Conservation, Wellington City Council, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, (Takai Here Partners), and contractor RCC.