New Zealand Bat Conservation

20/04/2026

🦇ABS WEBINAR
We are thrilled to announce the first webinar in our series will be on Thursday May the 7th with Dr Ian Davidson-Watts!

In this webinar Ian will introduce New Zealand’s two (or possibly three) bat species, their ecology and conservation issues. Ian will discuss his findings in respect of the effectiveness of lure systems for bats that are particularly challenging to capture and how in the ‘land of birds’, this work is helping conservation efforts for New Zealand’s only native terrestrial mammals.

We hope you can join us!
Book your ticket here:
https://events.humanitix.com/new-zealand-bats-with-dr-ian-davidson-watts

28/03/2026

Some fun facts about Auckland's pekapeka 🦇
🍽️ A single bat can eat hundreds of insects in one night — they're nature's own pest control!
👶 Female pekapeka form 'maternity roosts' during breeding season. Bunking together in groups up to 40 to keep their pups warm and safe.
🌊 They use Auckland's streams and rivers as feeding superhighways — so next time you're near a waterway at dusk, look up!
🌳 They sleep inside hollow trees — so that old tree at the end of your street might just be someone's home.
Think you've spotted one? Let us know at [email protected] 👀
🔗 Learn more: https://www.tiakitamakimakaurau.nz/discover-tamaki-makaurau/pekapeka-bats-in-auckland/

22/03/2026

🦇 WE’VE RECORDED OUR FIRST BATS! 🦇

🥳 Big news from Halfmoon Bay School!

When Pāora visited in February, the school set up one of our bat detectors in their local area – and it worked!

✨ The detector recorded two instances of long-tailed bats (pekapeka) ✨
Huge congratulations, Halfmoon Bay School!

This an exciting milestone because it’s the first recording from our new citizen science project. 🙌

💚 Shout-out too to the KCCers who’ve hosted detectors that haven’t picked up bats yet. Knowing where bats aren’t is just as important as knowing where they are – every recording helps scientists protect this taonga species.

🦇 Keen to host a KCC pekapeka and bat detector?

If you’re a KCC member, fill out the form in the comments! ⬇️

📷 Image: long-tailed bat, photo by Ian Davidson-Watts (thanks, Ian!)

19/03/2026

12/03/2026

Join us for an evening pekapeka detection walk in Lauderdale Reserve on March 30 from 6:45 to 8:15pm.

NZ’s native bats, or pekapeka, are critically endangered. Hear from bat expert Freddie Hjelm about the important work being done around the country to save these endemic cuties, and meet his adorable bat-detecting dog, Hawke!

Find out more about these amazing creatures, what you can do to help, and try your hand at searching for them in the night sky with specialised bat detectors.

RSVP to [email protected]. Spaces are limited so don’t miss out!

11/03/2026

🦇 Meet pekapeka tou-roa, one of Aotearoa’s rarest mammals

Pekapeka tou-roa (long-tailed bats) are one of only two native land mammal species found in Aotearoa New Zealand and they’re classified as Nationally Critical.

Endemic to New Zealand, these tiny bats are threatened by:
• Loss of old-growth trees used for roosting
• Habitat fragmentation
• Predation from introduced mammals such as mustelids, cats, and dogs

While they’re found across both the North and South Islands, very little is known about their population size or long-term trends. In places like Rodney and Tamahunga, records are scattered, often reflecting where surveys have occurred rather than where bats may actually be living.

By combining research, community engagement, and habitat protection, the Rodney Pekapeka Project is helping build the knowledge needed to support the long-term survival of one of our most fascinating and vulnerable native species.
🖤🦇
🙏 to Rodney Local Board and Auckland Council for supporting the Rodney Pekapeka Project.
Ben Paris - NZ Batman - photo credit 🙏

02/03/2026

🦇

24/02/2026

We've got one left in the tank! Our batty season is coming to an end, and what better way to spend a Friday night than bat watching 🦇

Join us for our last Bat Walk for the season (don’t worry, we’ll be back next season!) as we head out at dusk to spot these amazing native bats in action.

Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone keen for a unique outdoor experience. Don’t miss your final chance this season!

📅 27th February 2026
⏰ 7:40pm
📍 Mauku, exact location to be sent out morning of the walk
🎟️ Reserve your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/finding-franklin-bats-bat-walk-tickets-1983903313215?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tag your bat-watching buddy and come along for a magical evening! 🖤

18/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18RBaNhvLC/

🦇Big deal for one small native mammal: Franklin to Host National Pekapeka Hui🦇

New Zealand's rarest native long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) has settled in the Manukau Lowlands – and Waiuku is celebrating by hosting the National Pekapeka Hui from March 25-27 at Rereteewhioi Marae.

This year's hui brings together scientists, iwi, private landowners, community groups and government agencies to share research, knowledge and partnerships.

From November to February, these little flyers roost by day in sun-warmed trees, then burst out at dusk to feast on flying insects over streams. Auckland Council is working with Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua iwi, community groups and EcoQuest on a five-year bat survey and tracking programme between Waiuku and Pukekohe.

"When we create safe habitats, plant native trees, and connect green corridors, we're building bat-friendly highways," says Auckland Council's senior conservation advisor Ben Paris.

🔗 Registrations: events.humanitix.com/national-pekpeka-hui-2026
🔗Read the full article -https://franklintimes.co.nz/franklin-to-host-bat-hui/
🔗Find out more about native bats in Auckland: https://www.conservationauckland.co.nz/discover-tamaki-makaurau/pekapeka-bats-in-auckland/

Photo credit: Department of Conservation

15/02/2026

A little bit (okay; lots) of rain didn't stop the eager bat spotters for the last Bat Night of the season on 7 Feb. Nor did it stop all the bats flying & everyone was thrilled to see and hear a couple of pekapeka fly overhead. 🦇🦇
Thanks for all the help from Annette & Murray with the organising and then tidying the soggy kit at the end of the evening!!

11/02/2026

10/02/2026

🦇 Introducing the Rodney Pekapeka Project 🦇
We’re excited to share the launch of a new conservation initiative focused on one of Aotearoa’s most elusive native species, pekapeka (New Zealand bats).

With funding support from Auckland Council and the Rodney Local Board, The Forest Bridge Trust is leading new bat conservation projects across the Rodney District. The Rodney Pekapeka Project brings together research, community action, and habitat care to better understand where bats are living and how we can protect them.

At the heart of this work is Virginia Moreno, ecologist at The Forest Bridge Trust, who is leading detailed bat surveys and helping grow local knowledge around bat protection.

Pekapeka are rarely seen, but they play an important role in healthy ecosystems. Through this project, we’re working to uncover where they are, how they use the landscape, and how communities can help ensure their survival.

We will keep you updated as survey results and findings come through 👀🦇
Rodney Local Board Auckland Council
Photo credit Ben Paris - NZ Batman