The NZ Fairy Tern (Tara-iti) is New Zealand’s most endangered bird. In late September they start to move back to their east coast sites from their winter feeding grounds on the Kaipara Harbour.
The Mangawhai Refuge tends to be where the largest colony nests but there are also sites at the Waipu Sandspit, Pakiri and Papakanui.
The numbers of the Fairy Tern remain below 40 in total after a very disappointing breeding season last year. Breeding usually starts mid to late October.
You can find more information on the Fairy Tern by visiting www.fairytern.org.nz and if you would like to provide further support you may like to join the Fairy Tern Trust. This group of volunteers are instrumental in supporting and monitoring the Fairy Tern to ensure their survival.