At the time of European arrival, toutouwai were widespread throughout mainland North Island. Today they are mainly restricted to central areas from Taranaki to the Uruwera Ranges with the remaining populations occurring on offshore islands.

First birdsong brought back to the islands: Project Island Song Bring Rare Pateke/Brown Teal Back to Pest-free Urupukapuka Island, Bay of Islands. The release of twelve rare pateke/brown teal today was a major milestone in the ongoing work of Project Island Song to bring back the birdsong to the islands of the Bay of Islands.

Photos from the Project Island Song Planting Day on Urupukapuka Island 18th May 2014