It's spring!

The kuaka (bar-tailed godwits) are returning to their beach home here in New Zealand! They’ve travelled around 12,000 km nonstop over 8–10 days, without food or water, and arrive tired and hungry.

We’re also lucky to have two tūturiwhatu (Northern New Zealand dotterel) nests currently underway, with more possibly to come. These special birds are found only in New Zealand.

You can support our feathered neighbours by:

🪽 Giving the kuaka plenty of space to rest, especially when high tide covers their feeding grounds.

🚧 Respecting all signs and cordons around nesting areas.

🐾 Keeping dogs off the beach north of the Sunburst boat ramp.

🐕 Keeping dogs on a lead along the path north of Sunburst boat ramp.

🐈 Keeping cats indoors at night—this makes a huge difference!

Thank you for helping give these precious birds the best chance to rest, nest and thrive.