Dot Watch Waihī Beach celebrated the Tūturiwhatu Northern New Zealand Dotterel recently, and the incredible collaboration ensuring the little bird has a fighting chance to survive.
Local hapū Te Whānau a Tauwhao, Bay Conservation Alliance, Te Kura Tātahi o Waihī Waihī Beach School, ARRC (Animal Rehabilitation and Rescue Centre), DOC, Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC), Coastcare, Waihī Beach Environment Society, Predator Free Waihī Beach, Project Parore, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) all joined forces to shine a spotlight on the plight of the Northern New Zealand Dotterel.
As part of the event, Dot Watch hosted a morning of kōrero (talks) focused on the dotterel.
Waihī Beach Environmental Co-ordinator Pip Coombes said it had been an incredible journey to bring so many agencies, conservation groups and inspirational people together in one room.
“It has proven to be a very special morning of kōrero and sharing stories, along with everyone’s passion for conservation.”
At Waihī Beach School, conservation isn’t just taught in the classroom but experienced on the whenua (land).
A dedicated crew of young Dotterel kaitiaki (guardians) has stepped up to protect the dotterels, which is one of Aotearoa’s most endangered and adored birds, led by environmental student team leader Beau McDuff and Violet Connelly with work such as monitoring nesting pairs to setting up protective cordons.
The movement began when children discovered a dotterel nest in the subdivision behind their home.
That moment sparked a passion that has grown into a full-blown project at the school, and even inspired a children’s book, Zigg and Zagg’s Dotterel Dance, created in collaboration with ARRC, Bay Conservation Alliance, and Dot Watch Waihī Beach.
The book shares the struggles the birds face – and the efforts of local heroes fighting for their survival.
Another form of advocacy is the Dotterel Exhibition at Te Ara Mātauranga Waihī Beach Library from September 15 to October 28.
This celebration of work from children, schools, and volunteers is a reminder that every egg, chick, and nesting site truly matters for this species and celebrates the community’s passion for protecting these birds, organisers say.
Six schools from across the region worked on a poster exhibition through the Bay Conservation Alliance (BCA) Education Programme.
Pip Coombes said the schools were asked to illustrate the story of the dotterel to be utilised by Dot Watch Waihī Beach.
Alongside the posters, the exhibition features taxidermied native birds and predators, and the traps used to capture mammalian predators.
Pip said they wanted to thank Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic, whose expertise and professional touch brought the exhibition to life with stunning presentation.
The opening included a pōwhiri led by Reon Tuanau of Te Whānau a Tauwhao, a waiata from Waihī Beach School, an opening speech from Mayor James Denyer, and talks from DOC Biodiversity Ranger John Heaphy, and others.
-Supplied by Dot Watch Waihī Beach
