This morning’s release of 60 little blue penguins from the Wildlife Response Centre into the beach at Mount Maunganui is one more step forward in restoring the Bay of Plenty’s public image, says Glenn Ormsby, Tourism Bay of Plenty’s general manager.

“It’s visual proof that the hard work that’s been going on cleaning up behind the scenes is paying off.  Our beaches are open again, the penguins have gone back home and Bay of Plenty tourism operators are on track for summer,” says Mr Ormsby.

Tourism operators are also thrilled to have the penguins back in the water.

“This is awesome news for our business,” says Grant Bradley of Adventure BOP. “Our kayak trips round Mount Maunganui and Leisure Island spot little blue penguins about 95 percent of the time and these little guys are a big hit with our customers.  We’re stoked to have the penguins back home where they belong.”