![Busy nights on Marine Parade had volunteers reminding tourists not to sit on the rocks as it...](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2024/08/tc15penguins2.jpg?itok=v_NXzSgv)
Penguins First secretary Marijke Bakker said the group was still looking for more volunteers to help with the upcoming season.
The organisation was a charitable trust whose main purpose was protecting the penguins, she said.
"We meet, greet and educate."
Mrs Bakker said everyone who came to see the penguins returning from the water loved it "because it is so accessible".
Several nights over the summer months had 150 to 300 visitors descending to see the little blue penguins coming back to their nests, but those visitors had to be guided off the rocks and back on to the footpath.
She said that with nests scattered throughout the rock face, those visitors posed a risk to the penguins.
![Penguins First volunteer Marijke Bakker checks for penguin activity ahead of the breeding season....](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2024/08/tc15penguins1.jpg?itok=NzYkxdBz)
She said volunteering would suit anyone interested in conservation who had good communication skills.
While the season had not officially started she could see there was "definitely activity here".
They were wanting to work with the council to extend a fence along the rock face to keep the penguins safe.
She said there was no specific fence the group required.
"We’d be happy with anything."
![One emboldened penguin makes its way on to the pavement.PHOTO: SUPPLIED](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2024/08/tc15penguins3.jpg?itok=R3lTDnuf)
The New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association had come to the rescue and helped with trapping.
Eight rats had been caught already.
There was also a problem with cat dumping near the area.
The group wanted to get signs up to encourage visitors not to feed the cats, discouraging them from coming to the area.
Dogs were also an issue, with one penguin being mauled last year.
She said while dogs were to be kept off the beach from October 1, she hoped dog owners would keep their pet at least 20m away from the rocks as penguins were already returning to renovate their nest or burrow to prepare for the upcoming breeding season.
Penguins First would be gathering at the Town and Country Club on Wednesday next week from 7pm.
New volunteers were encouraged to show up or send an email to penguinsfirsttimaru@gmail.com