Forest and Bird are warning that without meaningful action against climate change, the Bay of Plenty will lose some of its iconic native animals and habitats.
This weekend, up to 10,000 Forest and Bird members and supporters across the country are expected to join the People's Climate March, to demand an ambitious climate target from Climate Change Issues Minister Tim Groser as he attends the Paris climate talks.
Forest and Bird is demanding a target of 40 per cent emissions reduction from 1990 levels within the next 15 years, and carbon neutrality by 2040.
Al Fleming, Forest and Bird's Central North Island conservation manager, said: "we must have a bold climate target that will limit sea level rises and climate disruption to manageable levels, or we will lose many of region's iconic species that are already teetering on the edge.
"Tim Groser is attending the Paris Climate Conference with a target so weak that temperatures could exceed a 3-4 degree increase, if it were adopted globally. This would spell the end for many of our most loved animals and their habitats.
"Already in the Central North Island, as around the country, significant parts of our natural ecosystems are failing. They may survive 1-2 degrees warming, but they won't survive a 3-4 degree increase.
Mr Fleming said there were only 2000 New Zealand dotterel and they depend on nesting sites in Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.
"New Zealand dotterel are very susceptible to sea level rise as they nest just above the high tide mark and are often taken out by storm events and tidal surges. Without committing to a bold climate target, this iconic bird moves closer to extinction.
"This is why Forest & Bird is mobilising around the country for the People's Climate March. Nature needs us to act smart, and start now. We need a bold climate target and we'll be calling for it loud and clear this weekend."