A trial to test the effectiveness and practicality of implementing vehicle exclusion zones during flood protection activities around shorebird nests was completed on two rivers in the Wairarapa. It was found that the birds were less affected by the presence of vehicles, than by people and that the Flood Protection Code of Practice exclusion zone for nests could be smaller. Training of vehicle operators and pre-survey nesting hot-spot identification by suitably qualified or trained practitioners was recommended.
Keywords: Flood Protection Code of Practice, river-nesting birds, exclusion-zone