Pāteke or brown teal were once a widespread and common duck in New Zealand, however their numbers have dwindled alarmingly as a result of habitat destruction and predation. Northland's east coast is one of the species' most important strongholds. It supports one of only two remaining original wild populations, making it critical to the long-term survival of pāteke in New Zealand.
The Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), also known as matuku hūrepo, is a large wetland bird belonging to the Heron group. A secretive bird with a distinctive booming call, it is more often heard than seen. Australasian bitterns are endangered in both Australia and New Zealand. Bittern like shallow water with plenty of reed or rush-like vegetation. They need permanently wet areas they can feed in year – round and good, safe places free from animal pests and predators to nest and raise their young.
Kākā, korimako and kākāriki are currently rare on the Northland mainland, but exist in good numbers on the nearby offshore islands. It is hoped that over time they will naturally reestablish on the mainland in response to the significant amount of pest control being carried out by groups and projects linked in to Kiwi Coast. Every five years, a survey is carried out to track their return as part of the Kiwi Coast’s long term Indicator Species Monitoring Program. Two survey's have been completed to date, in 2016 and 2021. The third survey is being carried out over the summers of 2026 and 2027.