The Rotopiko Bird Problem
What’s happening at Rotopiko?
Large numbers of introduced birds are using the trees around Lake Rotopiko as an overnight roost.
The birds arrive in the late afternoon, spend the night around the lake and leave again in the morning to feed elsewhere.
At times, tens of thousands of birds can roost at Rotopiko. This creates large amounts of bird droppings, which can:
- affect lake water quality
- create unpleasant smells
- result in droppings accumulating on nearby properties
- affect nearby horticultural operations
- create concerns for people collecting rainwater from their roofs.
The birds are part of a much larger population across the Waikato, so managing the problem at Rotopiko is challenging.
Why are the birds a problem?
Large flocks of birds are affecting lake water quality and nearby properties, with droppings (guano) creating odour, contamination concerns and impacts on roofs and rainwater collection systems.
The aim is not to remove every bird, but to reduce the very large roosting flocks, particularly during winter when the impacts are greatest.
What is being done?
Council and its partners are working to reduce the number of birds roosting at Rotopiko and limit their impacts on the lake and nearby properties. A range of deterrents and management methods have been trialled, including:
- laser light deterrents
- scent deterrents
- wood vinegar
- thinning preferred roosting areas
- strobe lights
- noise cannons
- controlled shooting to create noise disturbance
- changes to predator management.
Some have worked better than others. Current measures are reducing bird numbers, but there is no long-term solution yet.
What does this mean for nearby residents?
If you live near Rotopiko, you may experience bird droppings and odour, particularly during periods of heavy roosting.
If you collect rainwater for drinking, bird droppings on your roof may also be a concern.
Concerned about your drinking water? Contact a qualified water treatment professional about testing, filtration and treatment for your property. Council cannot assess whether an individual rainwater supply is safe to drink.
Why can't the birds just be removed?
The birds at Rotopiko are part of a much larger Waikato population, so removing them from the reserve may only be a temporary fix.
Other birds can quickly move in, so the focus is on reducing large roosting flocks and their impacts, rather than simply moving the problem elsewhere.
More intensive management methods may be considered if needed.
Lake Rotopiko background
Lake Rotopiko is a complex of three small peat lakes near Ōhaupō.
It is nationally significant for its unique wetland environment, particularly East Lake, which has an unusually diverse range of native aquatic plants and very few invasive species.
How is Rotopiko managed?
Rotopiko is managed by Ngāti Apakura, Waipā District Council, DOC and the National Wetland Trust, working with other agencies and organisations.
They meet regularly to monitor the lake and agree on management actions.
The priority is to protect Rotopiko’s unique environment while reducing impacts on nearby residents and businesses.
The long-term vision: A healthy wetland where native plants and animals can thrive, and people can enjoy and learn about this special place.
What can residents do?
Residents can help by:
| Report unusual bird activity | Let us know about significant or unusual changes in bird numbers or behaviour. |
|---|---|
| Share observations | Your observations can help agencies monitor what is happening at the site. Email us info@waipadc.govt.nz |
| Manage impacts on your own property | Where appropriate, property owners can take steps to manage birds and protect roofs and rainwater collection systems on their own properties. |
| Work with your neighbours | Because the birds move across a wide area, coordinated action between neighbouring properties is likely to be more effective than individual action. |
Have a question or concern?
If you are experiencing problems with birds, guano or odour around your property, or have observations you would like to share, contact Waipā District Council.
Email: info@waipadc.govt.nz
For concerns about rainwater or drinking-water safety, contact a qualified water treatment professional for advice specific to your property and collection system.
