One of New Zealand’s rarest birds could be preparing to breed at Ruakākā for the first time in nearly four decades, offering an exciting sign of progress for the critically endangered tara iti/NZ fairy tern.
A young pair of tara iti has been seen fishing in the Ruakākā estuary and landing on a specially prepared shell patch near the river mouth, raising hopes the area could once again become a breeding site.
The last confirmed record of tara iti breeding at Ruakākā was in 1989.
DOC Tara iti Programme Lead Ayla Wiles says the sightings are an encouraging development for the species.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see a young pair exploring Ruakākā estuary, particularly after all the work that’s gone into preparing the site for them.
“While it’s still too early to know whether they’ll nest here this season, seeing them using the shell patch is a really promising first step.”
The pair includes a two-year-old female, who was reared at Auckland Zoo. DOC works in partnership with Auckland Zoo on the tara iti recovery programme, hand-rearing chicks and releasing them into the wild to boost breeding productivity and grow the wild population. Given the age and inexperience of the pair, breeding this season is far from certain, but the team will be watching closely.
The sightings come as the tara iti community prepares for what could be a record breeding season, with an estimated 14–15 breeding pairs expected across the tara iti population – the highest number recorded for many years.
Ayla says the growing number of breeding pairs is creating opportunities for tara iti to expand into areas beyond their established breeding sites.
Community effort creating space for tara iti
Over winter, DOC assessed the potential for new tara iti breeding sites at Ruakākā, northern Waipū and Ōmaha.
The northern side of the Ruakākā river mouth was selected for habitat enhancement. The local hapū Patuharakeke helped prepare a shell-covered nesting area and Bream Bay Coastal Care expanded its predator-trapping network, including installing four new automated rat and possum traps.
Juliane Chetham, Pou Hautu o Te Pou Taiao o Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, says Patuharakeke has an environmental mission to revitalise the mauri of taonga tuku iho.
“The return of tara iti to Ruakākā is a very significant and special tohu or indicator that together we can improve the health of our taiao so that these species can survive and thrive in our rohe.”
Shell patches provide suitable nesting habitat for tara iti, which lay their well-camouflaged eggs directly onto the ground.
Volunteers from Waipū About Tern and Bream Bay Coastal Care have been monitoring activity at Ruakākā in the lead-up to the breeding season. Their efforts will be supported by DOC’s seasonal tara iti ranger team as the season progresses.
Ayla says protecting tara iti is very much a team effort.
“We’re fortunate to have passionate iwi, community groups and volunteers who put an enormous amount of time and energy into helping these birds.
“Ruakākā is a great example of why it’s important to prepare suitable habitat ahead of time, so these birds have somewhere safe to settle. It really shows what can be achieved when everyone works together towards a shared goal.”
Ayla says every breeding season brings challenges, but the possibility of tara iti returning to Ruakākā is a promising sign.
“We’re cautiously optimistic. There’s still a long way to go, but the prospect of tara iti breeding at Ruakākā again after 37 years is something everyone involved in their recovery can feel excited about.
“For now, we’ll keep watching and giving these birds the best possible chance.”
DOC works closely with iwi partners including Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, Te Parawhau, Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, Ngāti Wai Trust Board, and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, strategic partner Auckland Zoo and key supporters and partners including Auckland Council, The Shorebirds Trust, New Zealand Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, About Tern, Birds New Zealand, Tara Iti Golf Club, New Zealand Nature Fund, and local trapping groups.
Generous support has also been provided by the Endangered Species Foundation, Pākiri Beach Holiday Park, Manāki Whitebait, Tongariro National Trout Centre, and New Zealand King Salmon.
Background information
How you can help protect tara iti:
- Stay out of fenced nesting areas and use designated walkways.
- Keep dogs on leads and out of reserves.
- Avoid nests and chicks when on beaches and estuaries.
- Don’t drive or cycle on beaches.
- Dispose of rubbish, bait and fish scraps properly to deter predators.
- If a bird swoops at you or appears injured, move away quickly –
you’re likely near a nest.
The public can now donate directly to DOC’s Tara iti recovery programme through the New Zealand Nature Fund. Donations will help to accelerate DOC initiatives, including:
- Developing three to five new safe breeding sites within the bird’s range.
- Creating shell patch habitats at existing and new breeding sites.
- Expanding predator control buffers to better protect all nesting areas.
- Growing the hand-rearing and release programme to boost productivity.
Every donation brings us closer to securing a future for these rare and remarkable birds.
Learn more and donate at: Tara iti/ New Zealand Fairy Tern | NZ Nature Fund
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