Meet the Neighbours

Weka used to be common throughout the North Island. Sadly, they now exist in even fewer places than kiwi. Following a successful reintroduction in 2002, the Russell Peninsula is now the national (and international) stronghold of North Island weka. However, they remain rare, with even smaller numbers than the kiwi. Weka can be killed by stoats, cats, and dogs and, at times, cars. How can you help these birds with attitude? Trap stoats, keep your pets under control and help these unique birds cross the road safely.

The male miromiro is very distinctive, with its black and white plumage. This tiny bird is particularly vulnerable to rats, but its numbers have recovered in areas where there is intensive predator control. It can be seen or heard in several areas of forest on the Russell Peninsula.

The pāteke is the rarest native duck on the New Zealand mainland. Until recently, it was thought to be at risk of extinction, but recent research has confirmed that intensive predator control can help their populations recover. It was widespread on the Russell Peninsula before the 1980s, and its numbers are recovering in parts of Uruti Bay, Orongo Bay, Clendon Cove and some ponds adjoining the Waikare Inlet.

The pūweto is rarely seen and only occasionally heard. It’s call, which is described as a “maniacal chortle”, has been heard at Pipiroa wetland, in our “Te Wahapu Mainland Island”, and in Parekura Bay.

Kororā were once common in Russell and gave the town its Maori name: Kororāreka.  However, they are vulnerable to disturbance and predation, which limits their breeding success. Russell Landcare has provided nest-boxes and predator traps across Tapeka that help keep breeding korora safe.

Mātātā prefer dense vegetation in wetlands and salt marshes but can also be found in fernland and rank grass. Their numbers are dropping due to pests and habitat loss. However, on the Russell Peninsula, they survive in the Pipiroa, Orongo and Uruti Bay wetlands.

Tūī can be found all across the Russell Peninsula! The tūī is well-known for its complex and varied song, and is one of the main birds that we hear in the dawn chorus. Leave some sugar water out, and they may even visit you!

Rō are flightless and can be found in forested areas on the peninsula. Being slow and flightless, they are easy prey for introduced mammals such as rats, stoats and weasels.

This gecko is bright green or yellow and is a striking sight if you are lucky enough to see one. They are very similar to the Northland Green Gecko, apart from the inside of their mouths, with the Northland Green Gecko having deep blue mouths and bright red tongues. They are a rare species and are vulnerable to predation from hedgehogs, rats and cats.

Northern rātā is a close relative of the pohutukawa and is also a favourite food of possums. A few rātā have been reported on the Russell peninsula, including one seen in the Te Wahapu Scenic Reserve in 1984; recent searches have been unable to locate it.

As Aotearoa’s largest moth, the pepe tuna is one of over 2,000 moth species. They are nocturnal (only come out at night) and live in a variety of habitats, including grassland, shrubland, forests, and caves. Some live in holes under stones, rotting logs, or in trees.

These large, carnivorous snails are present on the peninsula, especially at Te Wahapu. Because of their size, they make a good meal for rats.

Whai repo have pointed pectoral fins, and are wider than they are long. Eagle rays move by flapping their fins, looking like birds in flight. You’ll be able to see Eagle rays around the wharf and other shallow waters off the Russell Peninsula.

Mānuka bushes are not just essential for Aotearoa’s honey production, but also for our environment! Restoring unhealthy soil, providing a food source and protecting waterways, Mānuka bushes are a huge part of our native forests.