Each spring, a remarkable journey unfolds across our skies. Migratory birds return to the South Island’s braided rivers to breed.  With some flying in from nearby coasts, others from the North Island and even as far away as Australia and Fiji. These birds have been making this journey for millions of years, but today, many face serious threats from predators and habitat loss.

Event	When	Where
Creating the flock Free event – but please register to receive a bird before the event.	31 August 2025, 10 am to 1 pm.	Waikuku Beach Domain
Bird Scavenger Hunt Free event	18 August 2025 – 15 September 2025, during shop opening hours.	At participating businesses in Kaiapoi, Rangiora and Oxford
Photographic bird display Free event	18 August – 8 September 2025, 8.30 am to 5 pm.	Art gallery above Coffee Culture, High St, Rangiora
Welcome the birds flags Free to view	15 August 2025 – 15 September 2025, anytime it is light enough to see them.	These will be on poles in Cones Road Rangiora, Smith Street Kaiapoi and Main Street Oxford.

Creating “The Flock” – Community Art & Education

We’re inviting everyone in the Waimakariri district to help build “The Flock” - a colourful, creative display of decorated bird cut-outs that will help spread the word about our native birds and the challenges they face.

How to take part:

• Decorate your bird cut-out with your whānau, school, or community group.
• Bring it along to our community event at Waikuku Beach Domain on
  Saturday 31 August 2025, 10am–1pm.

Local groups will be there to share fascinating insights about the birds arriving in our region and offer practical tips on how we can all help protect them.

To receive a bird cut-out, please contact Helen Leslie at Waimakariri District Council:
helen.leslie@wmk.govt.nz or phone 0800 900 468

Bird Scavenger Hunt – Spot the Birds in Your Town

From mid-August to mid-September, participating shops in Rangiora, Kaiapoi, and Oxford will display small, numbered bird photos in their windows. See how many you can find!

• Download a checklist from our website to track your sightings and discover more about each bird.
• Spot them all and you might even win a prize!

Photographic Bird Display – Meet the Migrants

Visit the new art gallery above Coffee Culture on High Street from mid-August to early September to view a stunning photographic display by local Grant Davey of the birds that return to Waimakariri each year. It’s a great way to learn more about these special visitors and their habitats.

Welcome the Birds Flags – A Colourful Tribute

Keep an eye out for our “Welcome the Birds” flags flying proudly in Rangiora, Oxford and Kaiapoi. These vibrant flags are a visual celebration of the birds’ return and a reminder of the importance of protecting their habitats. They’ll be on display throughout the breeding season to help raise awareness and show our community’s support.  These will be on poles in Cones Road Rangiora, Smith Street Kaiapoi and Main Street Oxford.  The birds featured on the flags will include:

• Banded Dotterell
• Black Billed Gull
• Black Fronted Tern
• Pied Stilt
• South Island Oyster Catcher
• Wrybill

Wrybill/Ngutu-parore Mask – Get Creative

Pick up a Wrybill mask from any of our libraries or download one to print and decorate at home. It’s a fun activity for kids and a great way to connect with our local wildlife.

Let’s come together to celebrate and protect the incredible birds that call Waimakariri home.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events.