E koekoe te tūi, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū
The tūi chatters, the kākā cackles and the kererū coo’s
Photo by Richard Tully
Waiheke wildlife hub
Discover more about the unique and fascinating wildlife that inspires and drives all of the mahi dedicated to its protection.
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Backyard birding
Learn about Waiheke’s native birds with bird whisperer Tim Lovegrove, and how predator-free efforts help them thrive.
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Waiheke Wildlife
Check out the gallery of Waiheke’s fascinating native species the communities working hard to protect.
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Backyard bugging
Discover how you can make a difference in your backyard with these informative and entertaining videos about the insect world.
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Learn more videos
Learn how to make Wētā motels, learn about predator free initiatives and much more
Latest news
Stay updated with the latest news on Waiheke’s conservation efforts
How to help birds through the seasons — Winter
Encouraging and supporting birdlife in your backyard is easier than you may think. By taking a few easy steps to create a safe space with access to food and water, you can welcome feathered friends to your garden sanctuary throughout the year. This series looks at bird behaviour through the seasons and how to support them during each one.
Shags, an essential part of experiencing coastal Aotearoa — Written by Te Korowai o Waiheke Team Member
This long-necked creature hollers from overhanging coastal pōhutukawa, it darts expertly behind your fishing boat or is found standing silhouetted drying its wings at the end of the wharf.
A native New Zealand bird that's rarely seen — Written by Te Korowai o Waiheke Team Member
There have been many rewards from the years of dedicated predator control on Waiheke. Some are raucous, seen soaring and screeching all over the island, but one, in particular, has quietly moved into people's backyards.
Understanding rat habits in different habitats
Becoming the world’s first predator-free urban island is no small feat. There are many questions still to be answered about how to remove rats from Waiheke and the rat pilot operational trials are designed to do just that.
A friendly and curious forest bird — Written by Te Korowai o Waiheke Team Member
I spend a lot of time outside; whether that’s in native bush, mangroves, or along our coastline. It may seem to some like a lonely job, to be by yourself in the outdoors, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s always someone waiting for me when I step out of my car or off a boat.
What does the bait look like in the rat pilot?
Turn off the lights and switch on a UV light and this is what the rat bait in the operational trials looks like.
The raucous parrots on the rise on Waiheke — Written by Te Korowai o Waiheke Team Member
A large kohekohe berry fell near my feet followed by a branch and then a strip of bark. High above, in the canopy, there was crashing and hopping and the shrieks of trill laughter. The beating of feathers echoed throughout the valley.
The rarest species of mainland duck in Aotearoa — Written by Te Korowai o Waiheke Team Member
It’s total pitch darkness. The moon is no more than a sliver against the night, not even enough to be reflected by the ocean. Though everything seems quiet, night has become the best time to see life on the coast.
How to help birds through the seasons — Autumn
Encouraging and supporting birdlife in your backyard is easier than you may think. By taking a few easy steps to create a safe space with access to food and water, you can welcome feathered friends to your garden sanctuary throughout the year. This series looks at bird behaviour through the seasons and how to support them during each one.
It will take everyone working together to make Waiheke predator-free. Learn all about the Whānau!