Rare duck seen in Waiwhetu Stream

Photo courtesy Wendy Baker

A rare Brown teal (Anas chlorotis), or pateke, was recently spotted on Waiwhetu stream which had flown in from Zealandia in Karori.  There are less than 1000 in the wild in New Zealand, so we should feel proud it chose to pay us a visit. 

There are currently 20,000 trees being planted in the lower reaches of Waiwhetu Stream, helping restore the ecology of the area, and stabilising the banks.  While some areas in the upper reaches have been vastly improved with planting recently, much of the planting had been put on hold until the flood management plan was done.  This plan is about to be revisited, with community views being sought.  Once done, more planting can be done, providing habitat for wildlife.

Maybe it is a sign of things to come as Waiwhetu starts to regain its health, and Zealandia manages to bring species back from the brink of extinction.  Maybe we can expect more visits from unique species in future.  Lets hope so.