SOSSI (Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Inc)

08/05/2026

Happy 100th Birthday to Sir David Attenborough!

We love this famous quote 💚

06/05/2026

STOP PRESS ! On Monday, up to 40 pōpokotea (whiteheads) began a new chapter, as they were translocated from the predator-protected safety of Shakespear Regional Park to a restored coastal landscape at Mataia on the Kaipara.

Once common across northern Aotearoa, pōpokotea disappeared from many areas due to habitat loss and introduced predators. These lively native birds were reintroduced as part of a wider effort to bring back the natural chorus of the region. Auckland Council’s Regional Parks Manager, Scott De Silva says council is proud to be able to share these birds with Mataia

At Shakespear, it's taken years of careful work by staff and volunteers from the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) to re-establish them - but a strong, stable population now puts the park in a position to support other sites.

Nicola Rata MacDonald, CEO of Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, mana whenua of Shakespear Open Sanctuary, says the translocation reflects years of collective effort and care for the whenua.

Volunteers will now help monitor the pōpokotea as they settle in, tracking how the population grows and spreads.

It’s not just about numbers; it’s about rebuilding an ecosystem, one species at a time.🌿

We would like to express huge thanks to Kevin Parker and his catch team from Parker Conservation. Kevin is a true expert in translocations, and we couldn't have achieved this without him. (www.parkerconservation.co.nz/)

Full article here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/05/whitehead-release/

Photo by Neil Davies.

21/04/2026

Great news for Whangaparāoa peninsula! The better the predator control outside the sanctuary the safer the special species are within it 💚

🌿🐦 Big news for Auckland’s backyard wildlife!

The Whangaparāoa Peninsula is taking a major step towards becoming pest free, thanks to planning and monitoring investment in Forest & Bird’s Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project from the Department of Conservation (DOC) via the Predator Free 2050 programme.

The Forest & Bird‑led community project, working in partnership with Auckland Council, has been selected to receive support from Predator Free 2050 to complete a Pest Elimination Operations Plan by the end of August 2026 – focusing on the complete elimination of rats, possums, stoats, and weasels from the peninsula.

This milestone brings us closer to a future where more native birds could once again flourish in Auckland neighbourhoods, from increasing populations of tūī and kererū to the exciting possibility of kākāriki returning to local backyards.

After years of community action and steady progress, along with strong local support, dedicated volunteers, and lessons learned from successful Predator Free 2050 projects elsewhere, the vision of a thriving, pest-free peninsula is closer than ever.

We have just identified through our bird count data that Whangapāraoa residents are already living amongst 60% more native birds than they were 12 years ago, with significant increases in tūī.

A 2023 feasibility study found that eliminating some of the key predator species from the peninsula was achievable. Since then, possum numbers have dropped significantly, and new predator control tools, alongside lessons from other Predator Free 2050 projects and advancements in technology through Zero Invasive Predators, have further strengthened the potential opportunity for the elimination of target species.

Thank you to everyone who has helped get us to this point. This is what’s possible when communities and partners come together for nature. 💚

https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/important-step-forward-pest-free-hibiscus-coast-project

Hibiscus And Bays Local Board Foundation North Auckland Biodiversity Auckland Parks Department of Conservation - Auckland

📷Lynn Freeman

13/03/2026

Great local conservation job going, could this be the role for you?

10/03/2026

26/02/2026

15/02/2026

Excellent news!

From 12 March 2026, areas of the eastern coastline north of Auckland will be closed to the take of all shellfish and sea life such as sponges, starfish, sea anemone, and sea cucumbers.

The two-year temporary closure will take effect from 12 March 2026, and will be enforceable by Fishery Officers.

There are existing closures in place for spiny rock lobster and scallops, meaning they are also not allowed to be taken.

Kina (sea urchin) is excluded from the closure and are allowed be taken within the current recreational fishing limits.

For more information, including species and a detailed map of the closed area, see: https://bit.ly/4tyxck2

10/02/2026

HELP NEEDED! We we are looking for more trapping volunteers to help protect the sanctuary from pests.

The fence doesn’t do it all, the wetlands still need intensive predator control and we must we vigilant on the inside of the fence too.

Volunteer Anya (photographed) says:

“You won’t regret becoming a volunteer, can be helpful in so many different ways. You will feel welcome, well trained and supported, and very much appreciated by amazing Shakespear team. You will learn new things, new skills, meet new people with similar interests and passions. Together, we can all make an impact in effort to save and protect our natural environment!”

Contact Liz Maire for more info [email protected]

Volunteering Auckland
Auckland Parks

05/02/2026

The Rainbow Machine has arrived at Te Haruhi Bay here at Shakespear! Come and enjoy some fun public art!

https://www.aucklandpublicart.com/artworks/4138

02/02/2026

Wonderful videos from Tiritiri by super volunteer Neil!

Kākāriki are also known to breed here at Shakespear and are starting to explore the wider Whangaparāoa Peninsula which is why widespread predator control is so essential.

To help make our neighbourhood safer for kākāriki you can join our volunteer predator control team ([email protected]) or the Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project led by Forest & Bird on the peninsula and surrounds provides traps and support for backyard predator control and is also looking for more volunteers.