Community Comes Together for Rare Birds of South Head Evening

Forty-four community members gathered at South Head Golf Club on Tuesday, 5 May, for an inspiring evening focused on protecting some of Aotearoa’s rarest and most treasured bird species.

Hosted by The Forest Bridge Trust, the event highlighted the unique biodiversity of South Head and the importance of community action in protecting Matuku-hūrepo (Australasian Bittern), Pāteke (Brown Teal) and Tara iti (Fairy Tern).

The evening featured a presentation from The Forest Bridge Trust ecologist Dr Virginia Moreno, who shared insights into these threatened species, the challenges they face, and the important role South Head plays as one of the few remaining strongholds for these birds.

As the photos from the evening show, many hands went up when the audience was asked who had seen a Matuku-hūrepo in the wild. While South Head locals are fortunate to occasionally encounter this elusive wetland species, most New Zealanders will never see one. Critically endangered and incredibly well camouflaged, the Matuku-hūrepo is one of Aotearoa’s rarest birds and an important indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems.

It was fantastic to see so many people stay after the presentation to enjoy refreshments, connect with neighbours and speak with The Forest Bridge Trust and South Kaipara Landcare teams about practical ways to get involved.

The Forest Bridge Trust is currently supporting DOC-led efforts at South Head by assisting local communities with trapping and pest-control initiatives. Working alongside South Kaipara Landcare, the Trust is focused on ensuring local residents have the knowledge, support and tools needed to help protect these unique and rare taonga species.

Heather, The Forest Bridge Trust’s Community Liaison for South Head, said the evening sparked fantastic community connections and new interest in volunteering.

“We have interest in two new volunteer traplines with three new volunteers keen to get involved,” said Heather.

“It was also great to reconnect with a number of the Rototoa trappers and hear their appreciation for the recent clearing work on trap lines A and B.

“The upcoming clearing of line C will create another great, family-friendly opportunity for new volunteers to get involved in trapping and conservation work, helping protect some of South Head’s rarest and most treasured species.”

Heather also noted growing interest from local schools, with Alison Howie from Kaipara College keen to explore opportunities for students involved in the Duke of Edinburgh programme to support conservation efforts in the area.

Community involvement continues to play a vital role in protecting South Head’s precious biodiversity, and evenings like this are an important reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for nature.

A special thank you goes to Pauline at South Head Golf Club for providing the venue for the evening, setting up the space, and helping with opening and closing duties. The clubs support helped create a welcoming environment for the community to come together and learn more about protecting South Head’s rare birdlife.

Anyone interested in trapping, volunteering, or reporting sightings of rare bird species in the South Head area is encouraged to contact Heather at heather@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz.