A group of volunteers on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast are banding together to protect endangered birds on their beach.
Dotterels are under constant threat from dogs, hedgehogs, and the elements, but will they succumb?
Not if the Big Manly Dotterel Minders can help it.
Reporter Tom Taylor and camera operator Nick Monro have the story.
Volunteer pest prevention work rewarded
Members of the Forest & Bird team with partners from Restore Hibiscus & Bays, and Auckland Council. Photo, Photo Carnival
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Last week, the local Forest and Bird Society held its inaugural awards designed to thank volunteers who contribute to the pest-free Hibiscus Coast programme.
The Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Volunteer Awards event was held on December 12. There are now 80 volunteers involved in the project, putting in over 4000 hours this year alone to helping make the Coast a safer place for native wildlife.
Project manager Jenny Hanwell says the project relies on volunteers.