Concerns raised over proposed Lower Hutt pathway's affect on penguins

Matthew Tso 13:52, Feb 19 2020

Two of conservation's heavy hitters have raised concerns over a proposed pathway they say could put penguins in jeopardy.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Forest & Bird lodged submissions opposing the Eastern Bays Shared Path in Lower Hutt citing inadequate measures to protect the environment.

Both organisations made mention of the potential impact on the at-risk little blue penguins, or kororā, that live along the shoreline.

DOC believes up to 14 per cent of Wellington's little blue penguin population - more than 100 birds - nest along the eastern bays and more needed to be done to protect them from traffic, habitat displacement and dogs.

They were also concerned the path's construction would have an impact on 5000 square metres of shorebird foraging habitat used by the nationally threatened reef heron and caspian tern. The regionally threatened variable oyster catcher and nine at-risk species are also present in the area.

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