Pest Free Onetahua

27/08/2026

With Bird of the Year voting opening soon, let's shine a light on the birds who call our magical corner of Te Waipounamu home.

PENGUIN SPOTLIGHT | Small birds, big news

Kororā/little blue penguins are nesting here. 💙

These little guys are making themselves at home around Onetahua/Farewell Spit, and our team's been finding them in some exciting new places!

Occasionally we pick them up on our trail cameras, but recently we discovered three new sites on the Spit, showing plenty of penguin activity. Corey even discovered a pair tucked away securely in a burrow, showing all the signs of nesting.

Down at at Fossil Point, there’s lots happening too, with bustling activity in the natural burrows and nesting boxes.

We've also had some expert help. The wonderful Britta Steude, from the Mohua Penguin Trust, and conservation dog Miro came out to investigate the newly discovered burrows - so we can learn more about where kororā are living across Onetahua.

At just over 25 cm tall, kororā are the world's smallest penguin.

They might be little, but finding them out here is pretty darn exciting. 🐧💙

HealthPost Nature Trust Department of Conservation

22/08/2026

We have some wonderful news to share! 💚

Pest Free Onetahua has been successful in securing $791,250 from the DOC Community Fund to support habitat restoration at Onetahua/Farewell Spit over the next three years.

This funding is a huge boost for our team and pest control on Farewell Spit and the surrounding area—an internationally significant wetland and a precious home for many threatened native species. It will help us continue on the ground conservation mahi shaped by a strong partnerships with Mana Whenua ki Mohua, HealthPost Nature Trust and Department of Conservation.

A specials thanks to our incredible group of partners, supporters, volunteers and community members, and everyone else who contributes their time, knowledge, energy and support.

We can't wait to see what we can achieve by working together for this very special place.

Read more: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/funding/doc-community-fund/successful-applications-2026/

20/07/2026

Bird flu has arrived in Aotearoa, making it more important than ever to help protect our native species.

Here's what you can do to reduce the risk of spreading H5 bird flu:

• Keep your distance from sick or dead birds
• Report groups of three or more sick or dead wild birds to the Biosecurity New Zealand Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline (0800 80 99 66)

🚫 Don't handle sick or dead birds or wildlife

Predator Free New Zealand Trust has put together a helpful guide for trapping groups with five practical things to know. It's well worth a read. 👇

Avian influenza has arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand. The risk to human health is low, but here’s what you can do on the trapline or in your backyard to minimise the risk of spreading the disease.

03/06/2026

So lucky to have Raelene on our team - and a peek into what happens behind the scenes to capture and translocate these beautiful manu. 💚🐦

31/05/2026

Here’s another closer glimpse of last week’s takahē release, from HealthPost.

Fingers crossed the new pair are getting on well.💚

27/05/2026

Takahē have returned to Onetahua. 💚

Yesterday was incredible for Pest Free Onetahua and our community, welcoming this taonga home to Onetahua/Farewell Spit.

What an emotional day, shared with our project partners Manawhenua ki Mohua, Department of Conservation HealthPost Nature Trust and our supporters and volunteers, who all helped make this happen.

The translocation was made possible through our joint mahi on intensive predator control, habitat restoration, strong partnerships, and the new predator proof fence.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone connected, you are truly wonderful!


Rātā Foundation Te Tauihu Environment Trust Fulton Hogan

26/05/2026

Hundreds of traps.
Kilometres of predator fence.
Thousands of hours on the ground.

And now… something very special is about to arrive at Onetahua/Farewell Spit. 💚

HealthPost Nature Trust Department of Conservation Rātā Foundation