Eight gannets shot dead at Muriwai colony in 'mindless act of cruelty'

Wednesday, 14 April 2021

There are increasing concerns about the behaviour of people who drive vehicles on Muriwai Beach in northwest Auckland. (First published December 2020)

Authorities are appealing for witnesses after eight gannets were shot dead at Auckland’s Muriwai gannet colony.

The dead tākapu were discovered on March 8.

A joint investigation between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and police is underway.

Auckland Council’s Stephen Bell said the shooting was a mindless act of cruelty towards the birds.

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Authorities are investigating after eight gannets were shot dead at Muriwai gannet colony (File photo).

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“Testing and x-rays indicate that the tākapu were shot dead with pellets, likely from an air rifle, some multiple times,” he said.

Tākapu are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 (File photo).

“We are giving our full support to the police and DOC, including providing them with CCTV footage of the area in the days leading up to the gruesome discovery of the dead tākapu.”

Bell said volunteers had spent countless hours protecting tākapu from introduced predators, but have never seen the need to protect tākapu from humans.

“It is incredibly sad to see such an ignorant, selfish and cowardly act, and at a time when the tākapu colony is at its busiest with thousands of nesting birds who make Muriwai their home between August and March every year to raise their chicks.”

Tākapu are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 and the penalty for killing protected wildlife is up to two years in prison or a fine up to $100,000.

Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina said the senseless killing was very upsetting both for the community, ranger staff and for visitors from further afield.

“The Muriwai colony is the most visited and accessible tākapu colony in the country, and it really is a privilege to observe this unique species on our regional parkland and in such a spectacular setting on Auckland’s wild west coast.

“I strongly encourage any members of the public who might have some information about the killing of these tākapu to come forward,” he said.

Anyone with information about can contact Police on 105, quoting file 210324/5059 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.