The concerned resident phoned the Council after coming across the injured swan during their visit to the wetlands.

After the call was received, a small rescue crew made up of members from Council’s Greenspace team and Environmental Services Unit deployed to the wetlands to locate the swan in question and transport it to the South Island Wildlife Hospital at Willowbank.

Despite the rescue crew being pecked and hissed at, one half of the team successfully distracted the swan’s mate while the other half lifted the bird out of the water.

The swan, affectionally named ‘Darrel’ by Council staff, was treated for his neck wound and lead poisoning which, according to South Island Wildlife Hospital, can occur from ingesting lead fishing weights as well as old lead fixtures and paints, lead ammunition, and through contaminated pools of water due to leaching from lead objects.

After two weeks in hospital, Darrel was released back to Northbrook Wetlands to be with his mate.

Northbrook Wetlands is a stormwater treatment facility with about 60% of Rangiora’s stormwater entering the ponds via Northbrook Stream and a drain. It has a 1.5km maintained walking track with many viewing platforms for spotting local wildlife, which is abundant during Spring.

Council’s Acting Biodiversity Team Leader Dr Bex Dollery said Northbrook waters has a range of native birds such as Kakīānau (black swans), Pāpango (New Zealand scaups), and the naturally uncommon Australian coot.

“Looking after these birds is important for the biodiversity in the wider environment and the ecosystem services these provide for us all.

“It would be great if people were able to please be cautious around the waterbodies when undertaking recreational activities.”

Northbrook Wetlands can be accessed via Cotter Lane, off Northbrook Road. The trail is suitable for bikes and prams, however dogs are not permitted.