Taylor Swift music video shoot accused of endangering rare birds

A production company engaged by Taylor Swift has been accused of endangering rare birds while shooting a music video.

The singer shot her video at Bethells Beach near Auckland, New Zealand on Monday.

Bethells Beach is home to New Zealand Dotterels, which campaigners say could have been put at risk due to the number of vehicles brought on to the beach.

Sandra Coney, Chair of the Waitakere Rangers told Radio New Zealand she was “really disappointed” the film crew allegedly did not stick to the restrictions placed upon vehicles visiting the area.

“There are only two breeding pairs – only four birds – that have been there about 10 years, and they usually fledge only one or two chicks a year. There are only 1700 Dotterels left in New Zealand."

She explained there is a management framework in place to protect the birds and their nests. For example, a limited number of vehicles are allowed on the beach and someone must walk in front of cars at all time to check no birds are in the way.

She told Sky News: “This particular filming company was given permission for two vehicles, which is what they asked for, but considerably more vehicles actually went onto the beach.”

Cherokee Films, the company in question, have accepted full responsibility for the incident in a statement and cleared Swift of any wrongdoing.

“As the local film production company… we accept responsibility and apologise for this situation.

“Taylor Swift and her management team were in no way at fault and did not do anything that violated permits or ordinances."

The company added that no Dotterel were harmed during filming, which they say “occurred outside of the Dotterel breeding area”.

Cherokee Films will also be making a donation to the Dotterel breeding programme and are working to resolve the issue.

The Independent has approached a representative for Swift for comment.