Remember goodwill towards fairy terns

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Please remember that on the Mangawhai sandspit in the harbour we have many breeding birds. The main one is the fairy tern and there are only 40 left in the world. At present they and many other shore birds are nesting there and need to be given a chance to raise young in peace.

There are single tape fences around fairy tern nesting areas, and there may be eggs or chicks in these enclosures at any time. Please do not walk behind these fences as you may walk on chicks or eggs which are very hard to see.

Please do not take dogs, horses or motorbikes on to the spit as it is a wildlife refuge which means everything – including fish in the lagoons – is protected by law. Te Arai Beach immediately to the south is also covered by this law and there are dotterel nests protected by fences to the south.

Volunteers and the Warden are happy to show you the birds through telescopes or binoculars if you see them. Thank you for your cooperation.

n If you see anything concerning you please phone DOC Warden Mailee 027 271 7898; volunteer Heather 021 052 0622 or 431 5413; volunteer Jane 021 268 5856 or 431 5828.

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