Author Archives: Matt Rayner

Matt Rayner is a Senior Researcher in Natural Sciences at Auckland Museum / Tāmaki Paenga Hira where he specializes in the conservation biology of birds and has spent 20 years studying the seabirds of the Hauraki Gulf.

Articles authored by Matt Rayner

Tara / white-fronted tern courting with fish 'gift.

The Gulf’s Complex Web: Politicians fumble at netting simple solutions

Matt Rayner explains that allowing some fishing in proposed High Protection Areas overlooks the complex interdependencies in Gulf ecosystems.

Diver finds ecological disaster at site of Chokyu Maru grounding

The grounding of a commercial fishing vessel in the Hauraki Gulf featured a fantastically rapid emergency response. A follow up dive survey features another crisis aided by glacial political inaction.

 As spotted shag foraging on kūtai / mussel farm

Kawau tikitiki, canary in the coalmine of a declining gulf

Matt Rayner reveals the alarming decline of the kawau tikitiki / spotted shag in the Hauraki Gulf. Research from the Auckland Museum underscores broader ecological challenges in the Gulf, emphasising an urgent call for ecosystem-wide restoration and collaboration.