A new breeding colony of Australasian gannets (Sula bassana serrator) is recorded from Farewell Spit, Nelson. From small beginnings in 1981 and a major roost of c. 300 in 1983, the colony has increased steadily from c. 75 breeding pairs in the 1983-84 season to c. 600 in 1987-88. Two birds breeding at the site had been banded as chicks at White Island, Bay of Plenty.