Shortly after the start of this conservation initiative, Westland petrels were found crash-landed in Greymouth, in larger numbers than reported in previous years. A recent switch to LED streetlights in Greymouth was suggested as a possible cause of the increase. In 2021, it was reported that the number of birds crashing in Punakaiki had reduced significantly in response to the reduced lighting in the town, and the streetlights were again switched off during the next petrel fledging season. Mining on Barrytown Flats In 2021, Australian-owned Barrytown Joint Ventures Ltd applied for consents to mine ilmenite sands on of private land on the Barrytown Flats between Canoe Creek and Deverys Creek. Over eight years up to 156,000 tonnes of sand per year would be extracted to a depth of , 24 hours a day, and processed on site, with the ore being transported to Westport or Greymouth for export. Locals had expressed concerns about noise, light pollution, heavy vehicle traffic, and Westland petrels being attracted to lights. In February 2022, the Grey District Council and the West Coast Regional Council declined an application to mine 5,000 tonnes of ilmenite sands per week, citing environmental concerns, including the potential effects on sensitive waterways and the risks to Westland petrels from vehicle activity and lights associated with the mining project. Parasites and diseases No diseases have been recorded to date that are significant for the Westland petrel. However, little research has been done on disease and parasites in New Zealand seabirds. Avian pox may potentially pose a threat to the petrels, as it has killed a number of black petrel chicks. Other diseases that affect seabirds include avian malaria, avian cholera, and avian diphtheria but these have not been observed in Westland petrels to date. Other threats Power lines have caused the deaths of adult petrels from collision during flight. Commercial fishing is another source of threat because petrels are sometimes accidentally captured in fishing nets. This is a significant risk for Westland petrels, as they are known to interact closely with the fishing vessels and forage from fishery waste.. Conservation status As of 2021, this species is regarded as being endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. The Department of Conservation assessed its conservation status in 2021 as "At Risk: Naturally Uncommon" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. Relationship with humans Tāiko festival Every