Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, has proudly led this biodiversity study of urban and rural landscapes since 2007.

This survey is the only one of its kind that informs policy makers, scientists, bird enthusiasts and other organisations nationwide who have an interest in the state of our garden birds and their environment.

The survey helps our researchers understand how birds are coping with environmental challenges. It also helps us build a long-term biodiversity dataset to understand the impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Bioeconomy Science Institute scientists monitor changes in bird populations over time by comprehensively analysing bird counts gathered by New Zealanders. These are then distilled into meaningful metrics.

To date, over 77,000 surveys of garden and parks have been undertaken by individuals, schools, and community groups.