- Conservation status
- In serious trouble
Around September, watch out for their spectacular courtship displays around Westland. Male displays include a spectacular raising of the nuptial plumes, with the neck erect, the bill snapping, and the wing feathers flicking. Once a female is attracted, the pair preen each other and intertwine their long necks, wings, and bill. After breeding season, the birds disperse throughout the country, and you may see them on coastal freshwater wetlands or estuaries.
Campaign Manager
Year 9 Greymouth High School
Our Year 9 Greymouth High School ākonga are learning about 'our local environment' this term and we are delighted to be able to campaign for our West Coast manu the kōtuku-white heron.
Greymouth High School is located in Te Tai o Poutini on the West Coast and our vision is to be the heart of learning in our thriving community. Our values guide us to work together to create a school environment that is caring and inclusive through akoranga, respect, community, and hauora.
We have selected the kōtuku-white heron to campaign for as these mythical manu are in serious trouble with only 120 birds in existence. As coasters we have a strong affinity for these magnificent beauties as their only breeding ground in Aotearoa New Zealand is in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve in South Westland.
Show your support by voting kōtuku-white heron for Bird of the Year.
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