have been recorded in the Kopuatai Peat Dome. Twenty seven are protected, 17 are unprotected and 10 are game birds. The endangered Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) is found in the wetland with other endangered birds such as the banded rail (Rallus philipensis assimillis), marsh crake (Porzana pusilla affinis) and the North Island fernbird (Bowdleria punctata vealeae). References Further reading Tye, RE, Hauraki Plains Story, Thames Valley News Ltd, Paeroa, 1974 McDonald, Elsie, Western Hauraki Plains – Its History, photocopy of handwritten book held by Hauraki Plains Library; see: https://natlib.govt.nz/records/35331417 Sullivan, Captain William, "Kotuku" Log Book, handwritten, 1877 Hatvany, M, "Environmental Failure, Success and Sustainable Development: The Hauraki Plains Wetlands Through Four Generations of New Zealanders," Environment and History, 14 (2008): 469–95. Historical Maritime Park, Paeroa External links The Gulf and Its Catchment, Auckland Regional Council. Landforms of Waikato Hauraki District Rifts and grabens Plains of New Zealand Firth of Thames Waikato River