- Conservation status
- In serious trouble
A heavy set, exquisitely camouflaged heron, the bittern is so elusive that most people have never heard of it, let alone seen one. Matuku hūrepo or the Australasian bittern is an endangered native bird whose numbers have now dropped to well below 1000 in NZ...although, in truth, nobody really knows the actual number. The bittern is close to extinction. For its survival, and the protection and restoration of its habitat, it’s crucial to raise awareness for the bittern. Bird of the Year is one way we can pull together and do that – follow us on FB for photos, competitions, interviews and prizes! #voteforbittern #oncebitterntwiceshy
Campaign Manager
The Forest Bridge Trust

The vision of The Forest Bridge Trust is to create a connected landscape of healthy forest and flourishing indigenous wildlife from the Kaipara Harbour in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. The seeds of this vision were planted in 2013, when kiwi were re-introduced to a working farm in Glorit. From there, our vision has been developed by farmers, landowners and local groups working to protect and enhance their environment. Since those early days, the community have joined together and with specialists to progress this dream towards reality, and the results are astounding! #OnceBitternTwiceShy
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