South Head’s Bittern StorySlow Down, Look Closer, and Celebrate a Conservation Success
There are moments in conservation that remind us why every trap checked, every wetland restored, and every hour volunteered matters. This month, South Head delivered not one, but two powerful reminders of just how special this landscape has become for one of New Zealand’s rarest birds, the Australasian Bittern (Matuku-hūrepo).
A Sign Worth Protecting
Early August began with a call from a local landowner, who reported that one of the “Slow for Bittern” roadside signs had been deliberately knocked down.
Forest Bridge Trust’s South Head Community Liaison Coordinator, Heather Steadman, visited the site to assess the damage. Thankfully, the sign could be salvaged and was secured to a nearby lamp post while Auckland Council and Auckland Transport were notified so it could be properly reinstated.
The sign isn’t there by accident.
It marks an area where bittern are regularly seen, including on nearby properties where local landowners have reported sightings. Landowner, Rosemary has observed bittern on her land, and while visiting another neighbouring property, Heather was shown photographs of a female bittern using the very same causeway where the damaged sign stood. The images, captured by Auckland Council Bittern Coordinator Peter Keightly, highlight just how important this stretch of South Head is for these remarkable birds.
Road signs like these play an important role in reminding drivers that they are entering habitat used by one of Aotearoa’s most endangered birds.
Unlike many birds that fly away from approaching vehicles, a bittern’s instinct when threatened is to freeze. Their incredible camouflage helps them avoid predators in wetlands, but on roads it can have devastating consequences. Standing perfectly still makes them much harder for drivers to spot, increasing the risk of collisions.
If you’re travelling through South Head, particularly around wetlands and causeways, please slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife. A few extra seconds could save one of New Zealand’s rarest birds.
Just days later came another remarkable piece of news.
RLB funded matuku hūrepo coordinator for west and central Rodney, Peter Keightly was exploring South Head wetlands with wildlife photographer Bartek “Bart” Wypych, hoping to photograph bittern at several known locations. Instead, they experienced something neither of them expected.
Four Australasian Bittern feeding together in the same paddock.
For a species that is usually solitary and incredibly difficult to see, it was an extraordinary encounter. Although the birds were quickly startled, Bart managed to capture stunning photographs before they disappeared back into cover.
Combined with another bittern spotted earlier that day at Woodhill, Peter recorded five bittern in a single day, a personal best and a memorable milestone.
Exactly why four bittern gathered together remains a mystery, but the sighting offers a rare glimpse into a species that usually stays hidden among wetland vegetation.
Conservation That Is Making a Difference
With fewer than 1,000 Australasian Bittern remaining nationwide, every sighting is significant. But perhaps even more significant is what these sightings represent.
South Head has become the focus of years of collaborative conservation work. Predator control, wetland restoration, native planting and partnerships with private landowners are helping create safer habitat where native wildlife can recover.
This success belongs to an incredible community of people and organisations working together, including Rewild the West, Project 700, South Kaipara Landcare, Matuku Link, Forest Bridge Trust, Auckland Council, Rodney Local Board, dedicated landowners, volunteers and local communities. Every trap serviced, every hectare restored and every wetland protected contributes to a healthier landscape for species like the matuku-hūrepo.
While there is still much work to do, these recent sightings provide hope that collective conservation efforts are making a real difference.
Help Give the Bittern a Voice
The Australasian Bittern is competing in the 2026 New Zealand Bird of the Year competition, providing a fantastic opportunity to shine a national spotlight on this remarkable wetland species.
By voting for the matuku-hūrepo, you’re helping raise awareness of the challenges it faces and the importance of protecting New Zealand’s remaining wetlands.
If you’re visiting South Head, please remember to drive with care, especially near wetlands and causeways where bittern may be feeding or crossing.
Together, we can help ensure that the haunting boom of the matuku-hūrepo continues to echo across South Head for generations to come.
🗳️ Vote for the Australasian Bittern in the 2026 New Zealand Bird of the Year competition and help give one of Aotearoa’s rarest birds the recognition it deserves.