Breakfast with the Gulls: Conservation Event at Maketu Spit

Bird lovers and conservation enthusiasts are invited to a unique free family-friendly event hosted by Maketu Ōngātoro Wetland Society (MOWS) on November 9 from 8am to 10.30am. Participants will be escorted by boat to Maketu Spit to see over 3,000 red-billed gull nests and approximately 20 black-billed gull nests, offering a rare chance to encounter the world's most endangered gull species, the tarāpuka (black-billed gull). MOWS guides will lead walks to view nesting birds and share insights into the area's ecology, with a barbecue breakfast available throughout the morning. Since 2008, MOWS has been actively restoring the fragile dune ecosystem through predator trapping, invasive weed removal, and native species monitoring.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.