Here today, gull tomorrow.

Published on 05 August 2025

Council would like to remind building owners, it’s time to gull proof your roof ahead of breeding season.

It’s that time of year again. The native red-billed gull (tarāpunga) will be entering its breeding season soon, and will be looking for places to nest.

While Council manages the buildings it owns with bird netting and regular roof checks, each breeding season for the red-billed gull means other building owners in Ōamaru can take action now to keep their gutters and roof bird free this Spring.

In recent years there has been a reduction in the number of birds nesting in the Ōamaru CBD, thanks to the efforts of building owners.

It is illegal to disturb gulls once they have active nests (eggs or chicks). Any measures to deter gull nesting should be in place by the end of August. Gulls are creatures of habit and will return to a successful nesting ground, year after year, but any rooftop is a potential new site. If an old site is no longer available, they will move and not necessarily to the building next door.

Pre-September

 • Decide who is responsible (usually the building owner/landlord) and ensure they are aware of the potential costs if gulls start to nest. Many landlords do not live in Ōamaru and so communication is vital between the landlord and the tenant who often act as the eyes and ears (and nose) on the ground.

• Whoever is responsible, identify and exclude parts of roof attractive to nesting gulls. These are flat ledges, gutters and flat roof surfaces, small walls or parapets that provide shelter from the wind and high points that can act as lookouts for birds. If the landlord cannot carry this out, contact Council for a list of roofing contractors in Ōamaru who are now familiar with red-billed gulls, their protection status and ways of managing them and can provide assistance and advice.

September to February

• As part of normal maintenance schedule regular checks of roof surfaces and gutters from September to February and remove any material before it has an egg or chicks.

• Gulls can arrive and start nesting quickly so if you think you see more one day, get up and have a look before it’s too late.

• If you find gulls with eggs or chicks contact DOC (0800 DOCHOT) so they can advise on the best way forward. It is illegal to disturb/remove breeding red-billed gulls.

More information can be found here at Council’s website: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Services/Food-and-Environmental-Health/Pest-control/Red-Billed-Gulls

ENDS