DoC has recorded 19 incidents in the past three months, up from 14 in the summer of 2023/24, and 13 the summer prior.
The cruel acts have taken place in every region except Northland.
But DoC wildlife crime team lead Dylan Swain believed there was a strong chance incidents were happening everywhere and were either being dealt with locally or not reported.
He has been the most shocked by acts that deliberately targeted protected birds.
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NOW PLAYING • Paradise shelduck maimed with a blow dart
A paradise shelduck recovering from injuries received by a blow dart. Video / DoC
A variable oystercatcher, several pūkeko, a dabchick, and a red-billed gull have all found themselves in the firing line too – some shot with slug guns.
The dabchick believed to have been shot in Rotorua. Photo / DoC
“We are seeing people disturbing nests a lot more as well,” Swain said.
Often it was people on quad and dirt bikes or dogs tearing through protected areas on beaches or riverbeds.
Swain said the death of one bird could be a major upset for its population depending on the species.
“It’s devastating for us to see the hard work of not only us but local community groups go down the drain because whether we catch the offender or not that bird has already been shot and injured or killed.”
A severely injured dotterel on Big Manly Beach in Auckland. Photo / DoC
Adding to the upset was that young people at times were at fault.
“It seems in most of those cases it’s just recklessness or showing off, a bit of bravado to mates ... whether it be with a vehicle or slug gun or blow darts,” Swain said.
The proof was the videos of cruel acts uploaded to social media for likes, he explained.
DoC accepted summer holidays led to “natural conflict” between people and wildlife.
Swain said birds were nesting or caring for chicks at the same time New Zealanders were enjoying the great outdoors.
Swain believed a lack of understanding about the great scope of protected birds perhaps led to recklessness, particularly regarding vehicles on beaches.
He said people often disregarded seagulls – particularly red-billed and black-billed gulls – despite them being protected.
A red-billed gull. Photo / Ron Burgin
Catching offenders was frustrating for DoC as the department was often the last port of a call after a social media shaming.
“Many times these incidents happen far away from main centres – particularly out from beaches and river beds – and often we’ll be told about it significantly after the event,” Swain said.
DoC tracks down who they can and when it comes to young people, Swain said, they work with families and police to curb the behaviour.
Other cases can land an infringement or prosecution.
Hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife can result in penalties of up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
Swain said the department is calling on Kiwis to report any untoward behaviour involving wildlife.
He encouraged people to report details such as vehicle registrations and a thorough description of what has taken place to 0800 DOC HOT or wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz.
