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Giant seabirds will be created in the sands of Wellington this Friday, January 24, to raise awareness of endangered seabirds around New Zealand. 
 
Beachgoers of all ages can take part in the event, which is being organised by Forest & Bird and Kiwi Conservation Club. 
 
"New Zealand is a seabird hotspot globally. Wellington is blessed to have a number of seabirds breeding on its shores, including the charismatic kororā/little blue penguin," says Forest & Bird regional manager Amelia Geary. 
 
“The seabird sandcastle event will be fun and aims to raise awareness of the government process happening now that people can take part in if they want to help protect our seabirds,” says Amelia. 
 
"Far too many native seabirds are at risk of extinction. 
 
“The sandcastles will wash away, but the idea is people can do their bit to make sure our seabirds don’t disappear forever.” 
 
The government’s draft National Plan of Action for Seabirds is open for public submissions until January 27. Forest & Bird has created an online submission form to help people have their say. 
 
Forest & Bird is calling on the government to commit to a zero bycatch goal, to set rules to cut seabird bycatch deaths, and to put cameras and observers on boats to monitor the impacts of commercial fishing. 

Seabird sandcastle events have also been held at Golden Bay, Westport, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland over the past two weeks.

The free seabird sand sculpture event is at: 

Oriental Bay, Wellington
10.30 am - 12.30 pm, 24 January 
Bring a picnic lunch, water, buckets and spades, sunhats and sunscreen. 

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