Hope and Faith have a big role to play

Two very small birds, known to their human protectors as Hope and Faith, have a big role to play in the future of their species at Ahipara.

The chicks, believed to be the only two New Zealand dotterels to hatch there this year, and their parents appear to be thriving in the shelter that locals fashioned for them from driftwood and the like, but they aren't out of the woods yet.

"Now we have to watch out for traffic, people, dogs and other possible threats," local resident and dotterel advocate Doug Klever said.

The arrival of the chicks (on January 23) was seen by Te Rarawa as reinforcing the importance of the dotterel sanctuary Punanga Tuturiwhatu Pukenui, on the beach between the Kaka Street access and where the Wairoa River meets the beach.

"This is a good example of what is needed to ensure the on-going survival of a species," Piripi Moore said.

"The first hurdle is to reclaim the space that these manu have occupied for eons, pay attention to the cries of a species in crisis, and ask people to change their approach to their use of the area - which can be daunting.

"We must ensure that these precious few dotterels (part of a national population of around 1500) can have enough safety to enter into a nesting cycle. We can see the enormous potential that the development of this sanctuary has for our entire community and region."

Mapere, stretching along the shoreline from opposite Korou Kore Marae towards the river, was also a special place, he added. For decades its dunes had provided a sanctuary to ancestral remains. In more recent times ko iwi had surfaced and had been reburied, while the area had been delineated by the erecting of pou around its perimeters.

"These initiatives were driven by a strong group of local kaitiaki, supported by the local school, its staff and children, and other organisations with a passion for our environment," Mr Moore said.

"The next hurdle will be to achieve a convergence of minds and outcomes. On Saturday March 1 hapu and iwi will signify endorsement of this really important mahi when several pouwhenua, which are to be erected around the sanctuary and Mapere, will be unveiled.

"It will be an opportunity for us all to toss in our support for these tiny, feisty birds that can ward off the much larger seagulls. It will also be a time to acknowledge our tupuna, raise awareness of the area's significance, and show respect for these special places."