WELLINGTON — The 2025 Bird of the Year winner, the kārearea (New Zealand falcon), has been showing its fierce side in the capital — dive-bombing walkers on one of the region’s most popular bush tracks.

Hutt City Council has issued a public warning urging residents to steer clear of the Haywards Track between Whites Line East and Mawson Street, after several reports of nesting kārearea swooping at people passing through the area.

⚠️ Dive-Bombing Defenders

Wellington resident Dianna Thomson described her unexpected encounter while walking with her son.

“I just came through this particular bit and this kārearea swooped over my head, like really close, doing its calling thing… and I went, ‘Woah! That was quite full on, I wonder what that was about,’” she said.

Thomson said the experience, while startling, gave her a new appreciation for the bird’s strength and beauty.

🪶 Why It Happens

Department of Conservation experts say the kārearea’s behaviour is perfectly natural. During nesting season, these powerful falcons can become highly territorial, especially when their chicks are nearby.

The birds often nest on the ground or in low trees, leaving them and their young exposed to potential threats — including dogs, cats, and sometimes unwitting humans.

“It means they get quite defensive,” said ecologist Meade. “They do tend to defend the nest area and defend their territory. If humans get a little bit too close, we do see them dive-bombing and swooping.”

🚶‍♀️ Council Advice

Officials are advising walkers to avoid the Haywards Track temporarily, or if they must pass through, to stick to open areas, avoid sudden movements, and wear a hat for protection.

The council emphasised that kārearea attacks are rare and short-lived, lasting only while chicks are in the nest.

🌿 A Reminder of Wild Wellington

Despite the drama, locals say it’s a reminder of how wild and alive Wellington’s green spaces remain.

Thomson agrees:

“It gave me an even greater appreciation for how lucky we are — to share our city with such a magnificent bird.”

The kārearea — New Zealand’s only native falcon — may be the Bird of the Year, but in Wellington’s skies this spring, it’s definitely Bird in Charge.