Herald Island Environmental Group

12/08/2026

This is an indicator & target species for is in the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network. These birds are typically very elusive- apart from this one in Kerikeri!

12/08/2026

Rats are strong swimmers and known to be capable of swimming 1 Km. Our neighbours across the water in Pare have been ramping up pest control in recent years. We are both members of the wider Upper Waitematā Ecology Network. Together we can make a difference. HIEG

25/07/2026

Decals adhered to windows prevent bird strike. Available locally from Matuku Link.

Our anti-bird strike stickers have travelled all over the motu! It’s such a rewarding feeling knowing we’ve played a small part in helping keep so many birds safe by making windows more visible.

Bird strike can be devastating for our native manu. Even when a bird appears to recover after hitting a window, internal injuries may not always be visible. Our friends at BirdCare Aotearoa support birds affected by these incidents almost daily, providing the medical care they need.

Let’s do all we can to protect our taonga manu before they need medical intervention.

If you are one of the hundreds of people who have placed our dragonfly sticker sets on your windows over the past few years, give yourself a big pat on the back! You’re helping make a difference.

If you haven’t got yours yet, head over to our website to find out more and help make your windows safer for our feathered friends.

https://matukulink.org.nz/product/dragonflies/

20/07/2026

Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust is a great facility in Ngongotaha where conservation, education & research is carried out on birds of prey. Definitely worth a visit and sadly tough calls need to be made by bird sanctuaries at this time. HIEG

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: Wild Bird Admissions

To help protect the health of our resident birds and our staff following the recent detection of bird flu in Aotearoa, we are no longer accepting wild birds at our centre.

As a conservation facility with a large focus on the breeding of a threatened species, bringing wild birds onto site could place the birds in our care at unnecessary risk.

If you find a sick or injured wild bird, please do not bring it to the centre. If you find a bird exhibiting symptoms consistent with bird flu, contact the MPI Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. All other enquiries can be directed to the DOC Hotline 0800 362 468.

We understand this may be disappointing for those wanting to help our native wildlife, but this decision has not been made lightly. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support as we navigate this evolving situation.

17/07/2026

Residents often ask how we know rodent numbers have increased. Aside from lots of conversations, HIEG undertake pest animal monitoring twice a year using lures like mayo & nut butter & compare YOY results. In May, 150 devices were placed throughout the Island for 10-14 days & then assessed. This is when we get the facts & can use the info to make changes to our trapping programme. These May chew cards and wax tags have been eaten by rats on the left & mice on the right.

15/07/2026

The Biosecurity Minister discusses the issues around the H5N1 bird flu arrival in NZ.

15/07/2026

Sadly it was only a matter of time that the bird flu virus reached NZ

People are urged not to handle sick or dead birds after the coastal detection.

15/07/2026