Turning the tide for tarapirohe/black-fronted terns
One of the most threatened braided river birds in Waitaha Canterbury is getting a lifeline thanks to a united push to protect its fragile braided river habitat.
In a collaborative effort to protect the tarapirohe/black-fronted tern, we are working alongside the Department of Conservation (DOC), Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Ngāti Kuri to restore and enhance its habitat in the Upper Waiau Toa/Clarence River.
Tarapirohe are entirely dependent on braided rivers for nesting, and Waitaha is estimated to host around two-thirds of their national breeding habitat. The Upper Waiau Toa and the Wakaputawatea/Acheron River together supported an estimated 630 breeding pairs during the 2024/25 season, making this a nationally significant site for the species.