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Rare weweia returns to Redvale

Rare weweia returns to Redvale

A pair of rare weweia have rejoined the team at Redvale to explore their ponds during Alert Level 4.

The weweia, or New Zealand dabchick, is endemic to New Zealand but, like so many of our bird populations, is sadly at risk. It is currently extinct in the South Island, with a slowly recovering population in the North Island. - so it's wonderful to see this pair making regular returns to Redvale. They were spotted last year by Department of Conservation staff on a visit who were very excited to see them.

The weweia likes to swim and has been making the most of Redvale’s stormwater ponds, which are very popular with aquatic birds. We are proud to be providing a safe haven for the recovering weweia, and other birdlife, to flourish in. Learn more about the weweia from the Department of Conservation HERE.