As winter settles across Aotearoa, New Zealanders are being encouraged to grab a pen, paper and a warm jacket and spend an hour outdoors taking part in one of the country’s most important citizen science projects.
The New Zealand Garden Bird Survey | Te Tatauranga o ngā Manu Māra o Aotearoa returns from Saturday, June 27, to Sunday, July 5, marking two decades of collecting valuable information about the birds that share our gardens, parks and neighbourhoods.
Now recognised as New Zealand’s longest-running citizen science initiative, the survey provides crucial insights into the health of both native and introduced bird populations. The birds people see and hear in their backyards act as environmental indicators, helping scientists understand how ecosystems are changing over time.
Since being established in 2007 by Dr Eric Spurr, the survey has attracted more than 84,000 responses from volunteers nationwide, creating one of the country’s most significant biodiversity datasets.
This year’s survey is being delivered by the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao in partnership with the Department of Conservation through its Always Be Naturing campaign.
The information gathered by participants is analysed by ecologists and researchers who produce the annual State of NZ Garden Birds report, providing a nationwide snapshot of bird population trends.
The latest 2025 report has delivered some positive news for several native species.
For the first time, silvereye (tauhou) numbers are showing a gradual increase both over the past five years and across the past decade. Bellbirds (korimako) are also recording their first noticeable rise in five-year trends after remaining largely stable for many years.
Tūī (kōkō) continue to perform strongly, with numbers increasing by 19 percent over the past decade and seven percent over the past five years. Canterbury has recorded an impressive long-term increase of 198 percent in tūī sightings.
Fantails (pīwakawaka) are also maintaining positive momentum, showing a 31 percent increase over the past ten years nationally.
While there are encouraging signs for some native species, researchers are keeping a close eye on kererū populations.
Although kererū numbers remain up 16 percent over the past decade, the latest survey indicates a 22 percent decline over the past five years. The trend suggests the iconic native wood pigeon may be experiencing short-term challenges that require continued monitoring.
Scientists are hopeful this year’s survey will provide further insights into whether the decline represents a temporary fluctuation or a longer-term concern.he survey doesn’t only track native birds. Introduced species also provide valuable information about environmental conditions.
Goldfinches have experienced one of the most significant declines, falling 16 percent over the past decade and 37 percent over the last five years.
Chaffinch numbers continue to trend downward, recording a 24 percent decline over ten years and an 18 percent decrease over five years.
Meanwhile, myna populations remain relatively stable nationally, while dunnocks are showing signs of recovery, recording their first stable long-term trend since 2020 and a slight increase over the past five years.
One of the reasons the survey has remained successful for 20 years is its simplicity.
Participants can choose any one day between June 27 and July 5 and spend a single hour observing birds in a garden, backyard or local park.
Observers record the highest number of each bird species seen or heard at one time during the hour and then submit their findings online through the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey website.
The survey is open to people of all ages and experience levels, making it an ideal school holiday activity, whānau outing or personal wellbeing exercise.
Beyond contributing to science, organisers say spending time outdoors observing birds helps strengthen people’s connection with nature and encourages greater awareness of conservation efforts across the country.
How to Take Part
- Visit the NZ Garden Bird Survey website and download a tally sheet.
- Select a garden, backyard or local park.
- Choose one day between June 27 and July 5.
- Spend one hour watching and listening for birds.
- Record the highest number of each species seen or heard at one time.
- Submit your results online.
As New Zealand works towards ambitious conservation goals, every observation counts. Whether it’s a tūī singing from a flax bush, a kererū gliding overhead or a tauhou hopping through the garden, those sightings help build a clearer picture of the health of Aotearoa’s environment for future generations.
For more information and to participate, visit www.gardenbirdsurvey.nz.
