People on kayaks, paddleboards and boats are being asked to be mindful of one of New Zealand's threatened bird species when using Rotorua's lakes.
In particular, the Department of Conservation is reminding boaties that Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua is part of a protected wildlife refuge.
Rotorua is one of the few places in the country where New Zealand dabchick (wewehi) are found.
The birds are relatively small, brown-black birds with prominent yellow eyes. Sometimes mistaken for scaup, dabchicks have slightly longer necks and are known for their distinctive head bobbing.
Dabchicks have the same conservation status as the North Island kiwi - both are classed as being threatened. Populations of dabchicks are offered some protection by wildlife refuges such as Lake Rotorua Wildlife Refuge which covers Sulphur Bay. Dabchicks create floating nests from vegetation and anchor them to submerged aquatic plants. These nests are vulnerable to disturbance by boat wash. All mechanically powered vessels are prohibited from entering the refuge. Sulphur Point has Wildlife Sanctuary Reserve Status - the highest status of wildlife protection. DOC, together with several volunteer groups, carries out annual dabchick monitoring in the area. Preliminary monitoring results have shown a slight increase in dabchick numbers around Rotorua lakes.
