Waikato environmental disaster: 'Thousands of birds die at important wetland, from deadly disease caused by pollution' March 2023

A strange silence has gripped Whangamarino. It’s a deathly silence.

The corpses of thousands of dead birds have piled up around the extensive mosaic of swamps, fens, bogs and open water between Waikato’s Meremere and Te Kauwhata.

The wetlands are usually an oasis for rare wildlife. It is home to the largest population of Australasian bittern, or matuku, in the world, and its booming calls echo across the water.

But large populations of Whangamarino’s birds have fallen sick with avian botulism, dying a gruesome death after they have lost the ability to walk and use their wings.

The paralysis eventually robs them of the ability to hold up their heads, and they drown in the waters that were once a haven.

Now, appalled by the outbreak, Fish & Game New Zealand has launched a stinging attack on Waikato Regional Council, accusing the local authority of permitting dairy intensification and failing in its statutory obligation to protect freshwater environments.

Fish & Game chief executive Corina Jordan​ said the disease outbreak, which is in its third month, was “appalling” and a wake-up call for “urgent action”.

Devastated Fish & Game staff, as well as community volunteers, have collected almost 2000 birds, including matuku, in the last month. Read more here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/131519960/thousands-of-birds-die-at-important-wetland-from-deadly-disease-caused-by-pollution

Cyanobacteria – or blue-green algae – which can produce dangerous toxins, thrives at Lake Waikare. The polluted water drains into Whangamarino.