Francis Te Pou of Flaxmere believes drivers are deliberately targeting roaming pūkeko on York Rd, Hastings. Photo / Duncan Brown
Francis Te Pou of Flaxmere believes drivers are deliberately targeting roaming pūkeko on York Rd, Hastings. Photo / Duncan Brown
A Flaxmere resident says he is appalled drivers appear to be targeting the local pūkeko population and deliberately running them over.
York Rd has become a dangerous stretch for the black and blue birds, which frequently roam the area.
Flaxmere resident Francis Te Pou said he had become increasingly upset at the number of dead birds he has been counting on the roadside, as he travelled to work daily.
Te Pou saw at least eight dead birds one morning.
"Some birds have been run over and squashed in the middle of the road, but most of the pūkeko have been run over and squashed on the verge of the road which indicates that people are deliberately running them over," he said.
"Some people think that pūkeko are a pest and deserve to be run over, but if that is their attitude, what is their attitude to other native species of this nation?"
Despite the new road layout, York Rd still remains a popular shortcut for heavy vehicles and locals driving between Hastings and Flaxmere.
Thick orchard and high hedges line the busy road, which has clear white markings to keep cars in their lanes, but Te Pou says some cars must be swerving outside to deliberately hit the defenceless birds.
Pūkeko, otherwise known as the purple swamp hen, are protected by the Department of Conservation and although they are not a threatened species they are still considered an important part of the ecosystem.
"I think there's a bit of swamp land around the area so it's a place where they tend to congregate."
Flaxmere resident Francis Te Pou spotted at least eight dead Pukeko on York Rd outside Hastings. Photo / Duncan Brown
"I see a lot of dead birds in the Riverslea Rd area as well, it's just very sad to see so many.
"I know sometimes they run out and it's hard to avoid them, but it looks like some drivers have gone out of their way to strike others on purpose.
"I just think it's important to know that it's their environment too and to be mindful."
Hastings District councillor Henare O'Keefe said even though the speed limit had been reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h, it hadn't deterred drivers from speeding.
"Speed is a community concern and so is the wildlife, this is a cry from the community."
O'Keefe said he would put a suggestion through to council that they consider a road sign to alerting drivers of the bird life on York Rd.
"It's important we respect our wildlife, it's their land too."
