Date:  06 December 2024

Rare river birds nest on braided rivers across the east coast of the South Island from approximately September to the end of January.

More than 60% of New Zealand’s braided riverbed by area is in Canterbury. Braided rivers with nesting bird populations include the Rakaia, Rakitata, Ashley/Rakahuri, Waimakariri, and several in Te Manahuna’s Waitaki Basin.

DOC Eastern South Island Operations Director Jo Macpherson says this is an important time for the birds, but it’s also when they are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.

“Braided rivers are dynamic and globally rare ecosystems. A range of threatened native birds rely on them, including wrybill/ngutu pare, banded dotterel/pohowera, black stilt/kakī, black-billed gulls/tarāpuka, South Island pied oystercatchers/torea and black-fronted tern/tarapirohue.

“These birds have evolved to nest in the open river gravel. Many rely on camouflage to keep safe from native birds of prey, which were their only predators until introduced mammals arrived. However, river birds’ camouflage makes them difficult for people to spot.”

Jo Macpherson says the rivers and species in braided river areas already face pressures from weed encroachment, introduced predators and land use changes, in addition to human disturbance.

“We urge four-wheel-drive and other vehicle users to consider going elsewhere during the bird breeding season.

“Those who decide to use braided rivers during this time are asked to minimise their impacts on breeding birds. Please stick to formed tracks and keep well clear of any obvious bird colonies.”

Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Regional Parks Team Leader Karen Elliott says there’s growing recognition that rare birds need their space from 1 September until 1 February.

“We acknowledge that the majority of four-wheel-drivers act responsibly and understand the importance of avoiding braided rivers like the Ashley Rakahuri and Waimakariri Awa during the nesting season.

“We value the efforts of four-wheel-drive clubs actively reminding their members to steer clear of braided riverbeds until February, which is crucial in ensuring that riverbed birds have the opportunity to breed and thrive without disturbance this season.”

Jo Macpherson says fishers and others on foot are asked to watch out for nesting birds and give them space if they show signs of distress.

“Signals of distress can include birds swooping near a person or pretending to have a broken wing, which is done to lure potential threats away from the nest or chick.”

Native river birds are protected under the Wildlife Act and it’s illegal to kill or harm them.

Background information

Braided rivers have wide gravel beds, numerous channels and highly variable flows. They are geologically unusual and support plant and animal communities found nowhere else in the world.

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