Finally got some decent images of the Tapuae reef heron. The markings on the legs confirm that it is a different individual from the reef herons typically seen around New Plymouth (Kelpie, Alfred, Jagger) and Greenwood Rd (Smart).

We observed the heron feeding at the edge of the reef in the choppy shallow water for about half at hour. It was an expert fisher, often crouching low to the ground and spreading its wings to create shadow. It caught one fish while we were watching. Video also available.