grey duck

This is a preliminary account of some basic waterfowl population studies being undertaken at Pukepuke Lagoon, the first such studies so far attempted in New Zealand. Attention has been focussed on the popular game species of duck; the introduced mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos), the native grey duck (Anas superciliosa superciliosa) and New Zealand shoveler (Anas rhynchotis variegata). Seasonal fluctuations in population density, sex-ratios, nesting season chronolgy and the influence of water levels on hatching success are discussed

In addressing the issue of customary management of indigenous species, we begin by defining the rights of Maori and the responsibilities of the Crown under Article 2 of the Treaty of Waitangi. We then criticise the status quo by demonstrating what we see as cultural bias in native bird management. This is followed by an outline of the approach we believe is needed to better serve the requirements of the Treaty. We conclude that existing unfair management emphases produce outcomes that are both culturally and ecologically counterproductive.