Are you dedicated to helping protect our wildlife?
New Zealand Dotterels / Tūturiwhatu, are a critically endangered shorebird that nests along the Bayview to Awatoto stretch of coastline. This area is also home to other important species including oystercatchers, banded dotterels, and Caspian terns, all of which need protection.
Protection work is mostly carried out by individuals who monitor nests, create their own signage, and take action independently. We are working to develop a clear coordinated approach with local councils or DOC. Other regions across New Zealand have successfully partnered with local authorities to create designated protected beach zones, helping the public recognise sensitive areas and avoid disturbing nesting birds. We want to bring that same level of protection to Bayview through to Awatoto.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor and check known nesting sites
- Put up and maintain signage to warn beach users
- Help establish simple protective areas around nests
- Talk to beach visitors and raise awareness
- Support advocacy for better-coordinated protection with agencies
Why It Matters
Our shorebirds face multiple threats; predators such as cats, stoats, hedgehogs, hawks, gulls. As well as humans, dogs off-lead, walkers accidentally stepping on nests, and vehicles such as ATVs and motorbikes.
A major challenge is that many people simply don’t know these birds exist, or how easily nests and chicks can be harmed. Raising awareness is just as important as physical protection.
A passion for wildlife and the local environment
A willingness to spend time walking the beach
The confidence to engage respectfully with the public
The ability to work independently or alongside others
No formal experience is needed—just commitment and care.
Join Us
This is a chance to be part of a growing effort to protect some of Hawke’s Bay’s most vulnerable wildlife. With better awareness and coordinated action, we can create safer beaches for these species to thrive.