An investigation has been launched after eight gannets were shot dead at the colony at Muriwai Beach, on Auckland's west coast.
The dead tākapu were discovered last month after Auckland emerged from its alert level 3 lockdown.
Auckland Council principal ranger regional parks Stephen Bell saidtesting and X-rays show the gannets were shot with pellets, most likely from an air rifle.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) and police are investigating.
CCTV footage from the area in the days leading up to the discovery is being provided to the investigation teams, Bell said.
"Volunteers from within the community have spent countless hours protecting the birds from introduced predators and we never would have seen the need to protect them from people," Bell said.
