Auckland Airport Wetland Biofilter Netting Project
20,000m² Bird Netting Installation by No More Birds
No More Birds recently completed one of the largest and most specialised netting installations ever undertaken in New Zealand — a 20,000m² bird-exclusion system for Auckland Airport’s new wetland biofilter. The airport has constructed a state-of-the-art wetland on the edge of the Manukau Harbour, a system believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
Designed to manage stormwater from over 100 hectares, including the international airfield, the coupled wetland biofilter mimics natural processes to clean stormwater before it enters the Manukau Harbour. The treatment sequence includes:
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A sediment forebay, where water slows and heavy particles can settle.
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A constructed wetland, planted with more than 20,000 native plants, which naturally filters contaminants.
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A final polishing stage before the water flows safely into the harbour.
To protect aircraft operations, Auckland Airport required a comprehensive solution to prevent birds from accessing the wetland, nesting in the vegetation, or increasing overall bird activity around flight paths. That’s where No More Birds came in.
Our team designed and installed a 20,000m² tensioned bird-exclusion net, spanning the entire wetland structure. This large-scale netting system ensures:
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Birds cannot enter or nest within the wetland
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Reduced risk of increased bird populations near the runway
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Ongoing aviation safety through effective wildlife management
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Long-term protection for both the wetland ecosystem and airport operations
This project showcases No More Birds’ expertise in delivering complex, large-scale netting solutions for high-risk, highly regulated environments. We’re proud to support Auckland Airport in its commitment to innovation, environmental protection, and aviation safety.
