Search on to find a safer home for geese

The geese move between Tington Wetlands Reserve and Wattle Farm Ponds in Manurewa. Photo / Richard Robinson

Wanted: people to adopt a growing gaggle of white Embden geese.

The flock of 65 move between Tington Wetlands Reserve and Wattle Farm Ponds in Manurewa but are becoming a problem.

Auckland Council spokesman Malcolm Page said the group often crossed roads several times a day to get food and had become a danger for both drivers and the geese.

"We have had birds hit and killed on several occasions.

"The geese are also being regularly fed food by the public which has contributed to wing deformities in younger birds, leaving them flightless."

He is concerned the flock, which is believed to have been abandoned at the park a few years ago, could increase by up to 25 per cent if not dispersed.

In a bid to resolve the issue the council is hoping bird-lovers will come to the rescue. It is calling on anyone with a sufficiently sized property with water access to adopt the geese in groups of 15 to 20.

Auckland Council is looking to safely capture and rehouse the geese in July before the next breeding season.

If you can provide a new home for some geese, contact parks adviser Kristen Ross on kristen.ross@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.