WELLINGTON, 2025-07-06
Coastal Havens Studied
Protecting Wellington’s native bird populations requires careful attention to key habitats.
Nearly 40 native bird species call Wellington’s coastline home.
- Wellington’s coastline is a vital refuge for 37 native bird species.
- 20 of these species are classified as threatened or at risk.
- Four key areas have been identified as essential for coastal bird survival.
- Human disturbance poses a significant threat to breeding grounds.
The annual bird survey identified four key areas along Wellington’s coastline, and these zones are essential for protecting indigenous coastal bird populations.
Photo: Brian D. Bell. Crown Copyright 1966, Department of Conservation.
Urban Bird Sanctuaries
Wellington boasts nearly 40 species of native birds gracing its urban coastline. An ecologist noted that more than half of these are under threat, emphasizing the need to safeguard their nesting habitats.
Daniela Biaggio, Wellington City Council urban ecology manager, stated the survey revealed the capital as “a vital refuge” to 37 native bird species, adding, “which is pretty amazing for the national capital.” However, she noted that 20 of those species were classified as threatened or at risk.
“It’s really important to balance our urban life with caring for these taonga species,” Biaggio said.
Four Key Habitats
The survey pinpointed four key areas:
- Oruaiti Reserve on the Miramar Peninsula
- Taputeranga Motu in Island Bay
- Wellington’s south coast
- The southern end of Wellington’s international airport runway
Biaggio explained that these areas support rare breeding colonies and critical nesting habitats for species such as the spotted shag and banded dotterel.
“For example, Taputeranga [motu in Island Bay] is one of the key breeding area for matuku moana – the reef heron,” she added. “Twenty percent of the region’s reef heron population breeds on that small island, so these places are really, really important places for us to care for our birds.”
Photo: Supplied/Wellington City Council
Protecting Bird Habitats
Biaggio emphasized the survey’s broader implications. “How we care for coastal birds goes beyond these key areas. Lots of things that we wouldn’t normally think of as important can provide habitats.” She noted, “Old infrastructure, such as piers and marinas, can also be strongholds for perching places for breeding birds.”
She urged locals and visitors to help protect the region’s unique biodiversity by understanding and respecting the city’s natural spaces.
Minimizing Disturbance
“Whether you’re visiting for a scenic view, on a fishing trip or just enjoying the coast, taking care to minimise disturbance to these bird habitats goes a long way to preserving Wellington’s coastal bird populations for generations to come,” Biaggio said.
She added, “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.”
Habitat Highlights
**What are the four key areas identified as essential for the survival of indigenous coastal bird populations in Wellington?** The four key essential areas are:
- Oruaiti Reserve on the Miramar Peninsula: Home to Wellington’s only mainland nesting colony of the kawau tikitiki (spotted shag).
- Taputeranga Motu in Island Bay: A key breeding area for the rare matuku moana (reef heron), hosting about 20 percent of the region’s reef heron population.
- Wellington’s south coast (from Oteranga Bay to Te Rimurapa): Supports important populations of pohowera (banded dotterel) and pīhoihoi (New Zealand pipit), representing eight percent and 13 percent of the regional totals respectively.
- The southern end of Wellington’s international airport runway: The gravelly foreshore provides the only breeding habitat for pohowera (banded dotterels) on the city’s eastern coast.
Call to Action
Submissions are now open on Tātou ki Uta – the council’s draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan until 5 August. Share your thoughts!
