Great news for our most endangered bird!
- Natalie Jessup
- May 29
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Following this summer's successful breeding season, DOC rangers and volunteers have now recorded 50 individual tara iti (NZ fairy terns) – including 13 fledglings! And in a small miracle, the two chicks at Waipū, feared lost after January’s storm have been spotted alive and well.
These are HUGE wins – but the battle’s not over.
These are much needed signs of progress for our most endangered bird but tara iti still face major threats – including habitat loss from sandmining and relentless pressure from introduced predators. We’re committed to standing with the communities fighting to protect them. And you can help!
Give today and your donation will support:
🐤 Resourcing for on the ground DOC conservation work
📢 Advocacy to stop sandmining in Mangawhai, Pakiri and Te Akau Bream Bay - supporting local voices and demanding an end to this destructive practice.
🐣 Education campaigns to increase awareness and keep native birds safe where they live and nest.
Watch what goes on behind the scenes at Auckland Zoo – from hatching to wild release! This footage shows the amazing dedication of Auckland Zoo staff as they monitor, incubate, hatch and hand-rear tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern) for release into the wild.
Email taraiti@doc.govt.nz with the when, where and what you saw
Every beach matters. Every bird counts.
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