Shorebirds shot in 'callous' Kaipara Harbour slaughter

The endangered NZ dotterel. Photo / Forest & Bird

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is investigating the shooting of more than 100 shorebirds in Kaipara Harbour on Northland's west coast.

The birds, including the endangered dotterel, were believed to have been shot in an illegal harvest about February 27, Forest and Bird marine advocate Karen Baird said.

Injured birds not collected were left suffering, with some eaten by predators, she said.

DOC visitor assets and historic ranger Awhi Nathan said a group of people appeared to have been involved.

"A boat load of shooters came into a secluded bay and let rip with what sounded like automatic shotguns."

One person witnessed this incident, but was nervous to come forward because of fear for their safety, he said.

Mr Nathan said there had been two similar incidents on the beach.

The shooting was discovered by former Forest and Bird northern branch chairman Steve Westgate who described it as callous.

"I was appalled to see the state of these birds, dragging their wings along the ground."

Deborah Harding of local hapu, Te Uri O Hau Settlement Trust, said the shooting was not a sanctioned cultural harvest.

"These guys are way out of line and we would like to catch them as much as DOC and Forest and Bird.

"We are shocked that anyone should treat our taonga with such disrespect," she said.

There are thought to be just 1700 dotterels left in New Zealand.

A prosecution could lead to fines of up to $100,000 and a jail term of up to six months.

- NZPA