These birds are listed as endangered in New Zealand with official
estimates of only 250 pairs. Most small lakes have at least one
breeding pair but the Waitaki valley hydro scheme has created a
series of lakes forming an extremely favourable environment for these
beautiful birds. I have some photos on Lake Benmore of more than 17
birds in the one flock. Where these were photographed, there were 6
breeding pair plus young in less then 400 metres of lake edge.