Sharing Ngarunui with some special locals

A pair of nesting korokaa (little blue penguin) have been discovered on Ngarunui Beach, during boardwalk renewal works earlier this week.

We are currently working alongside the Department of Conservation and mana whenua to ensure the kororaa can nest safely and with minimal disturbance.

Kororaa are protected under the Wildlife Act and need plenty of space and peace and quiet while nesting. To help keep them safe, public access around the immediate nesting site has been restricted.

While we know it's pretty exciting to have these little fellas hanging around, it’s important we give them the space they need. Getting too close, even for a quick photo, can disturb nesting birds and put unnecessary stress on them.

If you're heading to the beach, please:

• Stay well away from the restricted area and respect all signage and barriers.
• Keep dogs on a leash and under close control at all times.
• Give the kororaa the space they need to get on with being wild penguins.

These little locals have picked Ngarunui as home for now, so we're asking everyone to do their bit and give them plenty of space. A little distance from us can make a big difference for them.

Thanks for helping look after one of Aotearoa's smallest and most treasured seabirds.

Learn more about kororaa on the Department of Conservation website.