Managing local biodiversity

We are fortunate to be located on the shores of the beautiful Manukau Harbour and we want to play our part to protect this natural environment. We are working closely with Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird and other parties to manage local biodiversity.

The Manukau shoreline attracts large numbers of local birds and flocks of migrating birds. During peak migration periods up to 15,000 birds can gather around the airport’s perimeter.

Birds can present problems at airports. They can damage jet engines and endanger travellers. To manage these risks we have an active wildlife hazard management programme in place, run by our dedicated wildlife team. This programme includes discouraging birds from high-risk areas around the airport and encouraging them to relocate to areas where they pose less harm.

To achieve this we:

• monitor bird movements and behaviour around the airport precinct and surrounding areas
• keep grass low to discourage birds from roosting and foraging, and control food sources like worms, rodents and rubbish.
• have removed, with resource consent, a large area of mangroves to the western end of our runway. These mangroves had become a breeding ground for black swans.
• use flags and balloons to scare birds.
• provide suitable ‘bird environments’ in low-risk areas such as our bird roost on Kohia Island (formerly known as Wiroa Island).

The tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) is one species that is not discouraged from settling at Auckland Airport. Our predator control and careful watch has encouraged a successful breeding programme around the apron and grass areas of the airfield.

Similarly, nests can be found elsewhere on the precinct throughout the year and these are protected by Auckland Airport’s wildlife team. When essential work needs to be completed, project teams and the wildlife team work collaboratively to ensure nests are protected from these works.

Over 70% of visitors to New Zealand pass through Auckland Airport. We want our passengers to appreciate the unique beauty of our country’s landscape and to create an attractive business hub.

We are working hard to achieve this by:

• designing buildings, landscapes and signage that are coordinated and sit well with the local environment.
• developing and maintaining recreational areas, gardens and grounds to a high standard, including planted berms and car park gardens. We use native plants where we can.
• providing recreational areas for travellers, visitors and airport workers.
• keeping the airport clean and tidy.