The following statement can be attributed to Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery.
We are sad to confirm that three kororā/Little Blue Penguins have been found dead on the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One project site in recent weeks. The death of these kororā is deeply saddening to all involved in the Te Ara Tupua works.
Despite being found on site, the causes of death for two of the birds, the first found on Friday, 26 April and the second found on Friday, 3 May, have been investigated independently, and initial findings indicate that they are not linked to construction works.
Both birds were sent to Massey University in Palmerston North for examination. Veterinarian experts conducted necropsies and reported that one bird died of disease, and the other died due to a physical injury not associated with the construction of Te Ara Tupua.
The third kororā was fatally injured by construction machinery on Saturday, 18 May, at the southern end of the project. We are now investigating to determine what happened leading up to this and how such an incident can be prevented in future.
NZTA Waka Kotahi and our contractors, who make up Te Ara Tupua Alliance, are collating and reviewing findings as an investigation into the incident continues. While this process is a priority, we do not have a specific timeframe for when it will be completed. We have informed the Department of Conservation and Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Conditions and permits are in place to protect the environment during the project's delivery, including the protection of penguins.
We are heading into our second penguin breeding season and have begun implementing new penguin habitats in some project areas. We have enhanced an area of the man-made coastline at the northern end of the project, near Honiana Te Puni Reserve, to provide increased nesting opportunities for the birds and protection from construction and dogs. Along the length of the project, the new coastline in future will provide even more habitat for penguins.
Waka Kotahi and the project team are committed to doing everything they can to better protect the environment and improving processes. We continue to work with the Department of Conservation and Greater Wellington Regional Council.
(Because investigations are ongoing NZTA/Waka Kotahi will be providing no further comment or interviews at this time.)
