ART MEETS CONSERVATION AS LOCALS PROTECT CORNWALLIS’ RARE SEABIRDS

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A decade-long conservation effort on the Cornwallis Peninsula is being recognised as part of the Special Species project, an initiative led by the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance in partnership with Te Kawerau ā Maki. It’s aimed at highlighting the vulnerable wildlife of the Waitākere Ranges and the communities working to protect them.

At the heart of this story is the grey-faced petrel, or ōi, a native seabird that returns each winter to nest in underground burrows beneath tall coastal forests or in grassy spots near sea cliffs across the North Island.

In 2015, a colony was rediscovered by researchers from the University of Auckland at Puponga Point, prompting concern about its condition and vulnerability to introduced predators.

In response, a group of local residents formed a volunteer group, the Cornwallis Petrelheads and, with support from Auckland Council rangers and The University of Auckland, began targeted predator control to support the small colony.

Ten years on, the group’s efforts now span over 300ha of peninsula land from Mill Bay to Kakamatua, with more than 165 DOC traps, 150 A24 traps and bait stations in operation. Around 1600 rats and 25 weasels are killed each year.

And their hard work is paying off. According to recent monitoring, 60-80% of active burrows are now successful each year.

“We’ve found that ōi can only survive in these mainland areas when rats and stoats are reduced to near zero levels,” says lead University of Auckland researcher, Michael Fox.

“In the next 5 to 10 years we’re likely to see the population of this long-lived and slow breeding species start increasing further as a decade of hard work pays off.

"We're so pleased to see this precious species making a comeback not only in Cornwallis but Bethells, Piha, Whatipu and Titirangi,” says Alex Duncan, a founding member of the Petrelheads.

Though, Michael explains, they’re not out of the woods yet and need our help to continue to thrive.

“My research shows that reducing stoat and rat numbers during August and September are the most important for ensuring survival of early chicks, " he says.

As part of the Special Species project, the ōi has been paired with local art, education and community outreach to encourage wider public involvement.

Local artist Jay Linden has created an ōi-inspired artwork for the project and her work will be on display during an upcoming open studio event, during which the public is invited to learn more about the birds and the restoration work happening in their backyard.

"There's something magical in knowing these delightfully charismatic birds are raising chicks on our peninsula. I hope my artwork will inspire others to join our efforts to protect them."

The Cornwallis effort is one of many contributing to the region’s predator-free goals.

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Grey-Faced Petrel Cornwallis