Auckland Waikato Fish & Game Council Mallard/Grey Duck Banding Schedule 2026

This is an invitation for volunteers to help with the banding of birds.

• For location maps, questions, or to RSVP please contact us via:
  • Dani Le Lievre: email dlelievre@fishandgame.org.nz or phone 021 268 8929
  • Or phone the Hamilton office on 07 849 1666.

Sometimes a banding weekend may be delayed or even shifted if bird numbers have yet to build. Please RSVP your intentions to be sure you’re in the loop so we can update you on any changes.

General details about the banding days:

• Start time: 8:00am for all sites.
• Finishes around midday, though it is dependent on the number of birds caught.
• Kids very welcome if supervised. In fact, lots of little jobs for them to do. The ducks have blunt bills so kids will come to no harm. In fact, it can be quite an experience for them handling live birds.
• DoC Banding Office log-books signed off to confirm attendance of trainee banders.
• For maps to any of these sites, just email dlelievre@fishandgame.org.nz.
• Usually, we go ahead whatever the weather. But if it is called off for some reason, we can’t tell you if we’re not expecting you, do a RSVP will assist our planning.
• Choose a site/s and date/s that best suits you.
• Bring sunscreen, a raincoat, water, snacks and hat. Long-pants suggested (ducks have somewhat scratchy feet).
• Hand-wash stations will be available, and we put on a BBQ lunch as a thank you afterwards.
• Currently the risk of High pathogenic avian influenza reaching NZ is considered low but we will continue to monitor the risk profile to ensure we can proceed with banding this summer. As usual, we advise good hygiene practices whenever handling wild birds and will provide gloves, sanitizer and any other PPE required. Should there be any changes in the risk HPAI we will assess the situation and in the worst case will inform you if banding is no longer feasible to go ahead.

Aka Aka

Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026.
If interested in coming along: email Danielle on dlelievre@fishandgame.org.nz or phone 021 268 8929

Opuatia

Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026.
If interested in coming along: email Beau bjarvis-child@fishandgame.org.nz or phone 021 240 5693.

Paeroa, Hauraki Plains

Wednesday 4^th and Thursday 5^th February 2026.
If interested in coming along: email Danielle on dlelievre@fishandgame.org.nz or phone 021 2688929

Te Awamutu

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February 2026:
Two sites in Paterangi, west of Te Awamutu. If interested in coming along: email Beau bjarvis-child@fishandgame.org.nz or phone 021 240 5693.

We look forward to seeing you there!