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Population trends in the Western Weka (Gallirallus australis australis) in Golden Bay and the Marlborough Sounds were examined by field surveys and reference to the literature. Weka declined on the southern margin of Kenepuru Sound in 1995-96, but they were still at 0.10 and 0.06 ha-1 at Big Bay, Endeavour Inlet, and Long Bay near St. Omer, respectively.Weka numbers have declined in lowland Golden Bay to less than 0.01 ha-1 since 1986. The reasons for this declines is unknown, but it appears that high densities of mustelids peaks and climatic extremes are times when Weka populations need close monitoring.