The low boom of a bittern greeted Councillor Joe Davies and myself this morning as we visited Te Rauakaaka at the Waimakariri River Regional Park with Regional Park Ranger, Brad.

The area is located on the True Right of the river adjoining the Styx River and Brooklands Lagoon.

The bittern present today in New Zealand Aotearoa is the Australasian bittern which is also found in Southern Australia and New Caledonia. In New Zealand, bittern have a threatened status of ‘Nationally Critical – it is thought that there are less than 900 birds left. Local Conservationist Peter Langlands has reported up to 7 males having been recorded there and that Te Rauakaaka is one of the most important sites for bittern in Canterbury.

Raupo, salt marsh ribbonwood, oioi and wiwi on a significant scale along with an incredible range of indigenous and native freshwater, terrestrial and coastal biodiversity.

While a little dated as a result of the earthquakes, the management plan chapter, which I wrote over a decade ago is available on the ECan website. Great piece of work even if I say so myself 😉