The birds of Whanganui once thronged the forest, riverbanks and shoreline. Some are gone forever while others struggle to survive.

Birds were once the dominant fauna of Aotearoa, but their survival has been increasingly compromised since humans arrived.

Māori relied on birdlife for food and developed strict tikanga (rules) for hunting and conservation. Feathers were used to adorn hair and weaving. Bird attributes are used to describe human qualities and their movements are imitated by warriors.

By the late nineteenth century, destruction of forests and wetlands, and predators like rats, stoats and cats, caused bird populations to plummet. Some, like tūī, have adapted to urban and rural landscapes. Others, like hihi (stitchbird), depend on sanctuaries for survival. Predator control, restoration of habitats and bird-friendly environments will help our native birds to survive.