In our area we are lucky enough to have some of New Zealand’s rarest birds. The New Zealand Fairy Tern is considered critically endangered, with just over 40 of the birds left in the country. 

New Zealand fairy terns used to be found all over New Zealand but are now confined to the lower half of the northland peninsula. Breeding is limited to four regular sites: Waipū, Mangawhai, Pakiri and the South Kaipara Head.

Nesting in a small scrape in the sand, these delicate sea birds are very vulnerable. Nest sites are roped off and signs erected to alert people to the area.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) are ramping up efforts to protect the birds during this summer's breeding season. Seven fairy tern rangers have joined the wider DOC fairy tern team and will be based at nesting sites in Mangawhai, Waipū, Pakiri and Papakanui from now until February.

Breeding sites will be monitored seven days a week during the season by rangers and trained volunteers.

The main threats to this vulnerable species are: habitat depletion caused by residential development, introduced predators such as rats, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and mustelids preying upon eggs and chicks, environmental events such as high tides, floods, and storms destroying and washing away nests, and beach activities which disturb nests and scare birds away from their nests.