News
At risk shorebirds threatened by vehicles
January 30, 2024
Date: 30 January 2024
DOC Supervisor Marc Camburn says t?turiwhatu nest on beaches, and historically would have a much larger safe area for breeding.
“We’ve fenced off these small areas to give them a chance, away from some of the impacts of humans,” says Marc. “To have that ignored is distressing.
“With so many places available for people to access and enjoy beaches, we’re urging people to give these birds a break.”
Whakat?ne District Council Manager Open Spaces, Ian Molony, says Council’s Beaches Bylaw 2018 does not permit any vehicle on any beach in the district, unless using authorised accessways and solely for the purpose of launching or retrieving any vessel. In addition, quad bikes are permitted in certain areas for the purposes of recreational fishing only.“The bylaw aims to create a balance between recreational activities and the need to protect fragile shorebird habitats," says Ian. Adding, “While quad bikes are permitted in some areas, they must not enter dotterel breeding sites, which are clearly signposted.”
T?turuwhatu are absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953. Anyone who disturbs dotterels and/or their nests can be convicted with penalties ranging from fines up to $100,000 and/or up to two years imprisonment.