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Observations from 15 years of voyages in coastal New Zealand waters are analysed. There is evidence for a continuing increase in numbers of Buller’s shearwater. The population pressure in northern waters is thought to be such that the extra birds are forced southwards to feed. The suggestion that the southern birds are non-breeders may be true but it is pointed out that as the total population increases so do the numbers of breeding birds which then have to forage further afield. Distribution maps showing seasonal movements and numbers including areas to the east and west of New Zealand are given. The three main feeding methods observed are described.