Pateke success at Tawharanui
Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary reintroduced pateke between 2008 and 2010, with 148 captive reared ducklings released in total. An earlier release in the 90s failed due to inadequate predator control, an unfortunately common occurrence for pre 2000 pateke releases.
More recent releases within the predator free open sanctuary have successfully established a population of approximately 30 pair, with pateke and ducklings regularly seen throughout the park. Tāwharanui pateke have also dispersed from the park and have established as two new satellite populations at nearby Christian Bay and Omaha, as well as supplementing remnant population on Kawau Island.
Matt Maitland
Senior Ranger Open Sanctuaries
Northern Regional Parks