Sign in

Forest & Bird

@forestandbird.bsky.social
841 followers 197 following 160 posts

Protecting our native plants, animals and wild places, on land and in our oceans. Authorised by Forest & Bird, 205 Victoria St, Wellington 6011

PostsRepliesMedia
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
In the latest edition of Forest & Bird magazine, Ann Graeme shared her experience watching kōtare raise their chicks in her Tauranga garden. Read more here:
forestandbird.org.nz
Jewels in the city
A flash of iridescent blue brightens up Ann Graeme’s day as she observes kōtare sacred kingfishers in her garden.
031
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Using bird-scaring stickers, keeping cats indoors, or fitting cats with collars can help minimise fatalities. These are small actions that make our cities safer for our bird neighbours 🏡
130
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Māori have long admired the patience and vigilance of sacred kingfishers on watch – so much that elevated sentry platforms in pā are named kōtare.  Kōtare are adapting to urban living, but built environments still bring risks. Domestic cats and window collisions threaten these beautiful manu.
120
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
These patient hunters perch on power lines and tree branches, scanning the ground below for kai. Their prey is varied: everything from skinks and beetles to earthworms, wasps, cicadas, and even crabs when they visit estuaries in winter!
110
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
These brilliant manu are part of a global family. About 120 kingfisher species live across more than 100 countries worldwide 🌏  In Aotearoa, kōtare are hardy and adaptable. They nest in well-designed holes they dig in clay banks, rotting tree trunks, even phoenix palms.
110
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Spotting the iridescent blue-green shimmer of a kōtare sacred kingfisher is an unexpected urban moment – perhaps on a power line or in your backyard! ✨ Kōtare are adapting to urban landscapes in Aotearoa, and there are ways we can help them thrive further.  📸: Maurice Summerfield, Dan Dirks
3163
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Forest & Bird is backing the avatar moth – a tiny, beautiful, day-flying moth that lives only on the Denniston Plateau. It was discovered in 2012 and named after the film because its home – like Pandora – is under threat from a mining company.
074
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Not sure what bug to vote for in Bug of the Year? Use our handy guide 🙂‍↕️  Vote here: bugoftheyear.ento.org.nz
1177
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Happy New Year, ngā mihi o te tau hou!   2026 will be a big year. We’re excited to use every opportunity we can to amplify nature’s voice. Aroha nui to you and your loved ones as we welcome in a new year 🥳  📸: Original photo, William Harland
22812
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Read more about the reforms here:
environment.govt.nz
Government unveils major overhaul of New Zealand’s planning system
040
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
While we digest more, we’ll keep you in the loop, but rest assured we will be advocating for our wildlife every step of the way. For more information, read our media release:
forestandbird.org.nz
RMA replacement risks weakening protections for nature
Forest & Bird warns the Government's RMA replacement could weaken environmental safeguards, putting native species and landscapes at risk.
140
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
This is the biggest change to environmental protection in generations: it deserves a robust process. Given the rushed and flawed approach with fast-track legislation, it is crucial that everyday Kiwi can have their say to shape these crucial protections.
120
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
✅ The biggest opportunity in the legislation is the inclusion of environmental limits. We want to see limits that are strong and science-based to protect communities and wildlife.
130
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
⚖️ There is also risk that councils will weaken biodiversity, freshwater, and coastal protections to avoid compensation and litigation for protecting nature.
142
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
🏞️ The biggest concern is the weakening of protections for nature on private property. Everything from deforestation to water pollution can happen within private land. Excluding these effects is a recipe for environmental decline.
174
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
The new system announced yesterday is a huge piece of law: about 750 pages. We've started digesting the proposals and what they mean for nature. We have some initial concerns and recommendations.
110
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
It is crucial that our environmental laws help people and nature thrive. By having a system that is simpler and more effective, we can improve people's lives while caring for our wildlife.
120
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
🌳🪶 The Government has announced their proposal to replace the RMA. Here's our first take 🌳🪶
254
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
🦅✨ Speed-swoop into style and snag a pair of kārearea earrings by Remix Plastic – designed to celebrate the fierce and fabulous 2025 Bird of the Year. $2 from every pair goes directly to support vital conservation mahi, so you’re not just looking good, you’re doing good too🎉https://remixplastic.com/
083
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
And now... 🏅A few words from our winner🏅 #BOTY2025 #BirdoftheYear2025 #BirdoftheYear #NZBirdoftheYear @thomassainsbury
02414
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Confused by all the talk of vote validation? 🗳️We can't let spam-bots decide who gets the crown! 🤖 So we can only count verified votes. Once you've submitted your picks, you're just a click away from verification. ✅ #BOTY2025 #BirdoftheYear2025 #BirdoftheYear #NZBirdoftheYear
11810
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
Need some help choosing which birds to vote for in the 20th Bird of the Year? Download our handy flowchart. Voting opens Monday! 👉https://f.mtr.cool/euvawqrgje #BOTY2025 #BirdoftheYear2025 #BirdoftheYear
23424
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
🧱🐦 Missed out on a bird brick kit? Here’s your second chance! 49 sets of each bird (pīwakawaka, kākāpō, tūī and pekapeka) will be available at the Wellington Brick Show along with a chance to meet their creator @bricks.by.mike_ 📅 13 September 📍 Walter Nash Centre, Lower Hutt #BOTY2025
0148
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Wear your Bird of the Year vote as eco-friendly jewellery. ✨  Turning waste into treasure, Remix Plastic is donating $2 from select pairs of their stunning bird earrings, studs, and pins – including pūteketeke and hoiho – to support our conservation mahi.  👉 remixplastic.com #BOTY2025
010
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Critter of the Week fans – new merch has landed! $5 from every purchase goes to supporting conservation heroes. 👉 joyya.com/en-nz/collections/critter…
0126
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
🌿🌿🌿 Three easy ways to start conservation for Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa, Conservation Week, 1 to 7 September 2025. 1. Pick up rubbish 2. Support pest control 3. Vote nature 🐦Let’s make conservation part of everyday life. We’d love to hear your ideas for making it more accessible 💚
072
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
🦜 Celebrate 20 years of Bird of the Year and take home your own piece of history with our limited-edition brick-built model, developed by @bricks.by.mike_ ! Only 200 are available, so get in fast before they waddle away!!  f.mtr.cool/delugiizam
0238
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
🔥 These past Bird of the Year winners are looking for a match! From viral heartthrobs to underdog glow-ups, these plucky singles know how to ruffle feathers and steal hearts 🐦💔  👉 Keen to campaign? They’re waiting for you.  f.mtr.cool/xsglwvyqlx
031
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Some birds have flocks of fans ... these guys are still looking for “the One”.  Swipe right on these cuties before someone else snaps them up 💘  Become a campaign manager: www.forestandbird.org.nz/apply-be-b…
020
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Heal the Hauraki - Episode 2: “Tangata” IS OUT NOW 💙 🌊 Around the Hauraki Gulf our ocean communities are struggling – habitat loss means biodiversity is out of balance & ecosystems are failing. But a groundswell is rising – of courage, care, and collective hope🩵 👇 Watch now youtu.be/t9eppCixWfs?...
youtu.be
Heal the Hauraki - Episode 2 - "TANGATA (PEOPLE)", with Bianca Ranson & Mandy Kupenga
YouTube video by Heal The Hauraki
064
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
“It’s the trawling that’s turned thriving [ocean] ecosystems into lifeless mud.” We're standing with the Hauraki Gulf Alliance on the Rainbow Warrior, calling for a complete ban on bottom trawling in Tīkapa Moana. It's time to protect our marine life & end this destructive practice once and for all.
On the Rainbow Warrior (from left to right): Sinead O'Flynn, Bianca Ranson, Shaun Lee, Mandy Kupenga and Juan Parada. Credit Bianca Ranson.High level drone shot of the Rainbow Warrior. Credit Greenpeace.
0136
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
A loaf-sized shrimp? The supergiant amphipod, or Alicella gigantea, lives 7 km below the ocean’s surface and is a monster compared to other shrimp. The extreme pressure at the depth they live in is theorised to have led to their gigantism, just like the colossal squid 🦑 📸 Alan Jamieson (CC-BY-SA)
086
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Forest & Bird’s Nicola Toki joins broadcaster John Cowan on NewstalkZM’s Real Life at 7.30 tonight to talk about what shaped her passion for nature, why many people don’t realise the scale of our biodiversity crisis, and how we can turn it around.  f.mtr.cool/nevovblnlc
052
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
The battle of the birds is BACK! 🐦✨  Bird of the Year returns this September.  🗓️ Voting will open Monday 15 September  🗓️ Voting will close Sunday 28 September  You can sign up now to become a campaign manager. 👉 f.mtr.cool/xjbevgkqfr
02718
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Meet Philophthalmus attenuatus, the seagull eye parasite you never knew existed (and probably wish you still didn’t). Listen to Richard talking to Jesse on RNZ for today's #CritterOfTheWeek. 📸 Image by flaxington www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
030
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Denniston might look rugged and empty from a distance – but get down low and you’ll discover a tapestry of rare mosses, alpine daisies, sundews 🌱🦎 💚 Add your observations or browse the wild wonders already spotted: 👉 inaturalist.nz/projects/cel... #CelebratingDenniston #WarOnNature
0205
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
📣 Want to take action for climate & nature this week? Our friends at @350nz.bsky.social are organising protests around the country calling on ANZ to cut ties with coal giant Bathurst Resources – the company behind plans to dig up the wild and irreplaceable Denniston Plateau. ❌⛏️🌿 350.org.nz/coal/
0104
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Over the weekend, Forest & Bird gathered to celebrate the #Denniston Plateau and rally against a proposed fast-tracked open-cast coal mine. On RNZ, Kennedy Warne spoke of its rich biodiversity, the magic of the place and the threat that the proposed mine presents. www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
rnz.co.nz
The wonders of the Denniston Plateau
Nine to Noon's outdoors man, Kennedy Warne, has spent the weekend at the Denniston Plateau on the West Coast, with several dozen nature enthusiasts. He describes it as "strange and wonderful" and shar...
0112
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Budget 2025 is a disaster for our environment. Conservation investment is MIA while 75% of native species face extinction. The Govt is gambling with $133B in natural assets and our economy. This is environmental neglect, not leadership. We demand better. www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/no...
forestandbird.org.nz
No nature, no economy: Budget 2025 misses the $133b point
Forest & Bird says the Government’s lack of investment in New Zealand’s environment in Budget 2025 is deeply concerning given the importance of the environment to our economy and society.
39348
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
📢 Let’s make sure we’re catching seafood – not seabirds! #ACAP2025 #SaveOurSeabirds #TooCoolToLose #SeabirdCapital #ForestAndBird #ConservationInAction #Tītī #Albatross #PetrelProtection #ZeroBycatch
111
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Aotearoa New Zealand is the seabird capital of the world – home to over a third of all seabird species, many of which breed only here. But these incredible ocean wanderers are under threat – especially from climate change, fishing bycatch at sea, and introduced predators on land.
121
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Global delegates have landed in Ōtepoti Dunedin for the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses & Petrels (#ACAP) seabird summit. We hope this week’s meeting will encourage countries to adopt stronger protections at sea – b/c saving these special species takes global commitment & local action.
1125
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
“What’s next?A sanctuary for stoats?” Forest & Bird calls out plans to turn Fiordland into a game park. When conservation funding faces a $1.5B shortfall, the prioritisation of hunting over biodiversity protection is deeply concerning: www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic... #WarOnNature #SaveConservationLand
rnz.co.nz
Move to protect Fiordlank elk draws ire of Forest and Bird
Forest and Bird has accusing the government of "changing the law to let a North American deer species use the national park as a glorified vege patch".
22011
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Nzers ❤️ public conservation land, but DYK that… - there are different levels of protection?  - many types are at risk due to Government’s Fast-track development legislation? - the Government is trying to make it easier to sell off this public land?!   For more go to www.facebook.com/forestandbird
051
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
🤔 “Likely the most poorly known large mammal species of modern times” is how the spade-toothed whale, Mesoplodon traversii, is described 🐋 🎧 Forest & Bird’s Nicola Toki tells RNZ’s Jesse Mulligan what scientists DO know 🔍about this mysterious Critter of the Week www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
📷DOC ranger Jim Fyfe and mana whenua ranger Tūmai Cassidy with a rare beaked whale, found near Taieri Mouth in 2024. Credit: Department of Conservation
082
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
♻️ Circular in more ways than one! Introducing the new, limited-edition Re:band collection by Remix plastic – made from bird banding waste leftover from DOC mahi. Wearable in two ways and $2 from each piece goes to us! 👉 Grab yours at www.remixplastic.com 💚 Reduce waste – Look great – Do good 💚
Remix's recycled plastic earrings made from bird banding waste leftover from the Department of Conservation mahi. Remix's new, limited-edition Re:band collection includes these gorgeous blue pin badges.Forest & Bird Youth member sports Remix's new, limited-edition Re:band collection - green earrings and blue pin badge - made from upcycled plastic waste.Remix's new, limited-edition Re:band collection - made from upcycled plastic waste includes these gorgeous blue earrings which can be worn in two ways (with the colour pop or as plain studs).
020
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
🚨 Rat hunt at Tarapuruhi Bushy Park near Whanganui! 🐀 CE, Nicola Toki: “We’re throwing everything we have and everything we can at it.” 🥾 If you are physically fit & have got good backcountry skills and trapping experience – help our hunt for a rat & please volunteer: bushypark.nz/join-the-cau...
Rat prints on tracking card. Credit Rosi MerzTarapuruhi Bushy Park Homestead. Credit Joe Potter
021
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
🎧“Coal belongs in the past. There is so much new technology and new and important and gentler ways of living from this point.” Listen to our CE Nicola Toki's interview on Radio Waatea about how the New Zealand government is promoting expanding coal mines. waateanews.com/2025/05/01/n...
waateanews.com
Nicola Toki | Forest & Bird’s Chief Executive
071
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Pīngao or golden sand sledge is a wonder of a #nzplant - naturally binding together #sanddunes for #climateresilient #coastlines 🏖️ Choose Nature-based Solutions - they work! 💯 www.forestandbird.org.nz/campaigns/choose-nature-based-solutions #naturebasedsolutions #ClimateAction #nzconservation
073
Forest & Bird @forestandbird.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Destroying the Denniston Plateau epitomises the worst of the Fast-track law – cutting environmental protections and public input to make it easier to dig up more of the dirtiest fossil fuel and destroy a biodiversity hotspot.🦎🦋🐌 We'll keep fighting against this. newsroom.co.nz/2025/04/20/p...
newsroom.co.nz
Protesters set up camp at fast-tracked coal mine
The occupation is 'the first of many' says 350Aotearoa, who plans to continue to disrupting Bathurst's operations on the West Coast
0126