The Parapara River in Golden Bay has a story that winds through both hardship and hope. Once scoured bare by gold miners over a century ago, its lower reaches were stripped of vegetation. Fast forward to today, and native bush is reclaiming the land, and the river is now one of the few in the Tasman District with a forested catchment from mountains to sea.
The Parapara Valley Environment Group is fast becoming a key part of that recovery. A few weeks ago, the group carried out its first Banded Rail survey — prompted by Kathryn Brownlee from the Battle for the Banded Rail project. The group, which includes Bert Harris (who also works with Pest Free Onetahua), explored a new area of the Parapara Inlet, where the river meets the sea.
Their time wandering through wet mud with exuberant kids paid off — plenty of Banded Rail footprints were found, and they heard at least two, possibly four, birds calling to each other through the reeds and saltmarsh. It was an exciting discovery for the small team, who are focused on trapping and weed control to help protect this delightful valley.
Bert has also set up acoustic monitors on loan from the Department of Conservation to listen for the deep, booming call of the Australasian Bittern (Matuku-hūrepo) — another rare wetland bird that may be quietly inhabiting the inlet. Resident species already known to the area include Whio (blue duck), Kārearea (NZ falcon), and Fernbird/Matata — all signs of a rich ecosystem that’s worth protecting.
As Bert says, it’s rewarding to see local families out there having fun in the mud. “Everyone played a part — even the kids,” he says. “It’s such a special spot, and it’s great to discover what’s living here.”
