Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 14 February 2025
DOC staff found a group of youths aged 14 to 16 years camped within the fenced area and using DOC’s rangers’ observation hides.
The tara iti is New Zealand’s most critically endangered bird, with fewer than 45 adults remaining.
This breeding season, almost all tara iti nesting occurred at Mangawhai Heads. None of the chicks could fly when this incident occurred, so the tiny birds were highly vulnerable to trampling and stress-induced desertion from their parents. Tragically, trampling of tara iti chicks has occurred in the past, such as in December 2008, when a chick was unintentionally killed by two people entering a breeding area.
Despite no chicks being harmed in this instance, the incident caused significant disruption to the site. Tara iti chicks nearest to the hide showed signs of agitation, a behaviour that can lead to desertion. Additionally, human activity likely delayed feeding by adult birds, reducing food provision to chicks.
“The hide had been damaged, and there was evidence of a bonfire nearby. Materials used for chick recovery and site management had been removed, and footprints showed individuals had walked through sensitive areas, further increasing risks to the chicks,” says Joel Lauterbach, DOC Whangārei Operations Manager.
“Chicks were not in their usual day roosts, likely due to the disturbance. One chick remained undetected for several hours, which is highly unusual, and a concerning indication of the stress caused by the intrusion.”
DOC does not typically prosecute or infringe on youth offenders. Instead, the focus is on educating young people about the consequences of their actions – and the importance of protecting tara iti habitats.
“This is an opportunity to not only work with these youths but also raise awareness in the wider community,” says Joel.
Criminal proceedings would only be considered if the youths’ actions were deliberate and resulted in clear harm to the tara iti, such as fatalities. “Tara iti habitats are incredibly sensitive, and seemingly minor disturbances can have devastating consequences,” Joel says. “Chicks this young cannot fly, and if they freeze in response to human activity, they risk being trampled. If they run, they can wander from the safety of their nesting areas, making them harder for parents to locate and care for and putting them at higher risk of predation.”
DOC rangers manage the tara iti sites with precision, ensuring their own activities minimise disruption. Despite this, external disturbances, such as this incident, remain a significant threat. “The fences and signs are there for a reason,” says Joel. “We ask for everyone’s help in respecting these boundaries.”
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