Protect Our Braided River Birds – Support a Seasonal Bylaw

We are a Year 2/3 class from Fernside School and proud Enviroschools students. As part of our learning, we take action to care for our environment, and we want to help protect the precious birdlife of the Rakahuri/Ashley River.

The riverbed is home to endangered native birds like the wrybill, black-fronted tern, and kakī. These birds nest on the ground between September and January, making them especially vulnerable to disturbance from vehicles and dogs. Even small disruptions can destroy nests, crush eggs, or scare parents away, leaving chicks to perish.

We are asking Environment Canterbury and the Waimakariri District Council to create a seasonal bylaw to:

Ban vehicles and dogs from the riverbed during nesting season (September–January)
Introduce clear signage and education to support the community
Enforce rules to keep these birds safe

As Enviroschools students, we believe small actions can make a big difference. By protecting this space for just a few months each year, we can give these endangered birds a chance to survive and thrive.

Please sign our petition and help us protect our river and its wildlife.