New Zealand Defence Force helps protect fairy tern

 

New Zealand Defence Force helps protect fairy tern

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopters recently delivered 50 tonnes of crushed oyster shells to a remote breeding site of the rare native bird, tara iti – the New Zealand fairy tern.
Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel and kaitiaki of Ngati Whatua o Kaipara used the shells to create safer nesting sites for tara iti at Papakanui Spit, at the mouth of Kaipara Harbour. 
Tara iti are critically endangered with a total population of 35 to 39 birds.
They nest at four main breeding sites in Auckland and Northland, one of which is within the South Kaipara Air Weapons Range that includes Papakanui Spit. 
“Having tara iti nesting within a Defence Force range helps protect the birds when they’re breeding,” DOC ranger Alex Wilson says. “Tara iti nest on shelly beaches. At public beaches their eggs and chicks are at risk of being disturbed by the public. Papakanui Spit is within a no-go area for the public. The Defence Force provides further protection by avoiding weapon testing and staying well away from the spit during the tara iti nesting season.”
Two Seasprite helicopters and a New Zealand Air Force Unimog spent the day carrying bags of oyster shells to the beach at the top of Papakanui Spit.
“We’re grateful to Biomarine Ltd for providing the shells free of charge,” Alex Wilson said.
DOC rangers, NZDF personnel and kaitiaki of Ngati Whatua o Kaipara spread the shells and sand to create two large nesting mounds and enlarge seven other mounds, created last year, on the Papakanui Spit beach.
“These raised nest mounds help protect tara iti nests from big high tides and storms that flood the nests,” says Alex Wilson. “They also provide protection from high winds, which cover the eggs with sand, meaning the parent birds can’t find their eggs. We really appreciate the support the NZDF and Ngati Whatua o Kaipara are providing at Papakanui Spit to help increase the tara iti population.”

RNZAF Wing Commander Rachel James said the NZDF was always willing to work with other government agencies to support their initiatives. 
 

Keep tara iti safe Tara iti have just four main nesting sites – Papakanui Spit, Pakiri Beach, and the Waipu and Mangawhai sandspits. To protect tara iti at their nesting sites please follow these rules: Stay out of taped off or fenced areas and use designated walkways. Take a wide berth around nests and chicks. Keep dogs on leads. Remove bait and rubbish from the beach to deter rats and other predators. Drive vehicles below the high-tide mark.

A NZDF Seasprite helicopter and 6 Squadron help move 20 tonnes of shell material for habitat construction for the critically endangered fairy tern.    PHOTO/CPL Vanessa Parker

Despite year-round monitoring, only around 40 of the rare fairy tern survive.     PHOTO/FILE