Sustainable Waihī Beach

06/04/2026

🐁 FREE RAT TRAPS 🐁

🐀 Uh oh… the freeloaders are coming in from the cold 🥶

As the temps drop, those pesky rats start looking for a warm place to crash… like your house 😬

Good news - we’ve got FREE rat traps! 🙌

If you’re keen to grab one, just flick us an email at
📩 [email protected]

👉 One per household
👉Residents of Waihī Beach, Bowentown or Athenree.

All we ask is that you agree to report your rat “tallies” - it helps us meet our funding requirements and track the impact 💪

Let’s keep our wildlife thriving Waihī Beach 🌿🕊️
Just ONE rat = up to 50 native species saved from a certain death.

🐁 Get in, get trapping, and let’s send those freeloaders packing!

16/03/2026

So incredibly proud of this joint sister islands kaupapa in Rarotonga - just back from installing traps high up in the Cloud Mountains of Te Kou. Big mahi for the taiao across the moana. 🌿

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧

Efforts to protect vulnerable seabirds nesting on the ground in the upper high altitude ecosystems of the Takuvaine Valley have received an important boost with the installation of new predator control traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest ecosystem. Located more than 400 metres above sea level, this unique environment provides important habitat for native and migratory seabirds. However, the presence of introduced predators such as wild cats and rats continues to threaten ground-nesting seabirds and other native wildlife, including endemic skinks and native flora.

In response a New Zealand NGO, Sustainable Waihi Beach, and Air New Zealand have generously donated 10 resetting predator control traps to support conservation efforts in the valley. These traps, known as the AT220 and AT230, are the first of their kind to be used in the Cook Islands, and offer a non toxic predator control option. Read more https://tiscookislands.org/new-predator-control-traps-installed-in-takuvaine-cloud-forest/

12/03/2026

🌊✨ Waihī Beach whānau - don’t miss this!

Pop down to the Surf Club tonight at 5.30pm for an eye-opening kōrero about the challenges facing our precious taonga species along the beach. 🐦

Hear from:
🐾 Anna Wrench – Western Bay Wildlife Trust
🌿 Pippa Coombes – Sustainable Waihī Beach
🌏 Rose Riley – Envirohub

From dotterel to kororā, predators to people - it’s all about how our community can help protect the wildlife that makes this coastline so special.

Come along, bring a mate, and be part of caring for our beach. 💙🌊

05/02/2026

Found a kororā (little penguin) during the daylight in the open on the beach?

Chances are it's in distress, starving, sick, or injured. Kororā should be out at sea or if they are on land during the day they should be undercover.

Sadly, we're experiencing A LOT of these scenarios lately.
Even sadder, there is A LOT of misinformation out there on what to do...

Here's what actually to do if you are in the Western Bay of Plenty:

✔️Call 0800 SICK PENGUIN (0800 742 573) for advice and help.

✔️If you cannot get through to us, call ARRC Wildlife Trust on 07 579 9115 instead, or if after hours call the DOC emergency hotline on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

✔️Keep people and dogs away to minimise stress.

✔️Stay calm and quiet around the bird and follow all our other instructions.

Without rescue sick, injured or starving kororā will likely die and are at serious risk of predation & dog attacks. So taking the right actions FAST is crucial 💙

If you are not in the Western Bay of Plenty, contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre via the list on the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand website and also notify 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

NZ Penguin Initiative Sustainable Waihī Beach Envirohub Bay of Plenty Bay Conservation Alliance

📷 Buddy the kororā in rehab. (c) Vicki Woodcraft.

04/01/2026

🚨 Penguin Rescues at Waihī Beach: MiruMiru and Oscar’s Fight for Survival! 🚨

🐧0800 SICKPENGUIN🐧
( 0800 7425 7364846 )

Thanks to the quick thinking of a couple of local families, two Little Blue Penguins (Kororā) were saved from potential danger. 🐧💙

With the recent storms, we expect more penguins may come ashore, so please keep a keen eye out when walking along the beach - especially when walking dogs outside of restriction hours or along our dog-walking beach. Unfortunately, dogs are the main culprit and can easily kill an exhausted penguin.

Both penguins battled relentless easterly swells and washed up at Island View and Bowentown, exhausted and potentially injured. Without intervention, they likely would not have survived.

There has been a lot of misinformation circulating. In Oscar’s case, while we always encourage people to leave wildlife alone when it is safe to do so, intervention was appropriate when an animal is potentially injured, exhausted, or in immediate danger - and that was the situation here. The Kororā was removed from immediate danger, and put in a cardboard box in a quiet dark room.

We need to publicise the 0800 SICK PENGUIN number more widely so members of the public don’t have to make these difficult decisions on their own 🐧🐧🐧

Both MiruMiru’s and Oscar’s conditions will be assessed today by ARRC Tauranga, and they are on their way as we speak. The volunteers are trained, and both birds are in safe hands and on the road to recovery! 🙌

Important reminder: If you spot a penguin on the beach, please:

🐕 Leash your dog immediately - unleashed dogs pose a serious threat to vulnerable wildlife.

🚶‍♂️ Stay at least 20 metres away.
📞 Call 0800 SICK PENGUIN
🐧 If you can’t get hold of anyone, please private message me on facebook or ring 027 378 0007

Our dedicated team at Waihī Beach will assess the situation and, if needed, transport the penguin to a rehabilitation centre to support its recovery.

Ngā mihi to the locals who stepped up and acted as true ocean guardians! 🌊🐧

31/12/2025

Happy New Year to all our movers and shakers ✨

Waihī Beach has been named one of the friendliest places in Aotearoa - and honestly, are we surprised? 🥳🥳🥳

This is community magic in action: waves, smiles, mahi, and a whole lot of heart.

Feel the love ❤️🌊

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360919667/best-world-new-zealands-award-winning-year?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPBWDFjbGNrA8FYKmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHsDyQlm84gpYyC6Ixzy2OJ1uscru-an9VJY3ZSjSjfYLYWZjLymHvmo5cTg0_aem_WvNsnjcW5MIy31_aCOtFTA

We might be so far away from the rest of the world, and often left off the map, but we are certainly desired by those who know about us.

30/12/2025

A huge thank you to Angela Gattung and the Gattung Foundation for the incredible organisation, love and support shown during the Eco Bazaar 💚

We had a wonderful morning - the weather held out, the vibes were great, and we raised $500 for Sustainable Waihī Beach.

We’re so grateful to everyone who popped down to support us and help make this inaugural event such a success. A special shout-out to the incredible producers, curators, and sustainably minded, conscious creators who made it all come together.

Watch this space - we’ll be back with another Eco Bazaar soon, in collaboration with the Gattung Foundation 🌱✨

14/12/2025

🌿🐦 Proud volunteer moment at Brighton Reserve 🐦🌿

This morning our second native dotterel nest has hatched at Brighton Reserve – a huge win for these precious little birds and everyone working hard to protect them.

The chicks are extremely hard to see in the grass, and are very unsteady on their feet, so we’re asking everyone to please continue to:
• Tread carefully
• Keep dogs on leads
• Dismount bikes through the 100m cut-through

These tiny lives are incredibly fragile, and a small action from us makes a massive difference for them. Thank you for showing care, respect, and aroha for our taonga species 💛

Ngā mihi from your local volunteers 🙏

05/12/2025

Hey Team Waihī Beach!
We’ve currently got THREE absolutely unhinged dotterel chicks zooming around Brighton Reserve like tiny feathered rockets. These fluffy chaos gremlins are everywhere at once - which is adorable… and also a bit terrifying for them.

Huge favour:

Tread carefully when on Brighton Reserve. Don't be fooled, they don't stick together 😬

If you’re walking your doggos through the reserve, please pop them on a lead. Better yet, avoid the area if you can while these tiny maniacs find their feet. 🐕🐾🐶

And yup - this includes locals. We spoke to someone today who reckoned the rules didn’t apply because she “lives here.” They do. For everyone.

✨ Reminder: The last dotterel chick was chased and killed by a dog.
Our awesome school kids have worked their hearts out building fences and protecting these birds - let’s have their backs.

Thanks team - your kindness makes a massive difference for our wildlife. 💛🐣🌊

Please spread the love and advice, if out and about 💚💙

02/12/2025

📺 Catch Seven Sharp tonight!
They’re sharing a beautiful story featuring our Dotterel Kaitiaki from Waihī Beach School - Te Kura Tātahi o Waihī and our much-loved Farmer Merv Littlejohn on his whenua.

These caring tamariki have spent countless hours predator trapping and crafting protective taiapa | fences in Tipuranga class - helping to protect our precious tūturiwhatu | dotterels at Brighton Reserve.

Their mahi couldn’t come at a more important time, after some truly heartbreaking incidents where nests and even birds have been harmed by humans.

All we hope for is more kindness, awareness, and understanding for the wildlife we share this coastline with. ✋💛

☀️ Please keep dogs on leads - we’ve got tiny chicks running around, and they absolutely do not listen to mum!

👣 And please watch your step - they’re little fluff balls, almost invisible.

Tune in tonight and help us spread gentle, positive awareness for our taiao and all who call it home. 🌿💛

20/11/2025

Calling all local creators and conscious makers! ✨🌿 We are bringing a gorgeous new event to our coast, The Waihī Beach Eco Bazaar, a curated market celebrating sustainable style, local artistry, and beautiful things made with purpose.
We have a few spaces left for:
Local artists, makers, growers and dreamers with a sustainable story behind their mahi.
Event details:
Sunday 28 December
9am – 2:30pm
Next to 54 Shaw Road, Waihi Beach
Only $25 per 3x3m site!!
If your creations are local, ethical, upcycled or planet-friendly, they’d love to have you involved. If you’re keen, just flick an email to [email protected].

SORRY ALL FOOD AND COFFEE CART SPACES HAVE SOLD OUT!

02/11/2025

From our friends at Dot Watch Waihi Beach & Surrounds - what an incredible story! Thanks Farmer Merv 💚
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/176eVyLJXx/