Northpower Native Bird Recovery Centre Column

At the request of the Whangarei Museum, we are no longer able to show live kiwi at the Centre. My understanding is the Museum feels that our work with visitors relating to kiwi impacts negatively on the number of visitors going to the Kiwi House. As the Museum owns the land we are situated on, we have no choice but to follow their request.

Kiwi showing at the Centre has played a big part in raising the awareness of the importance of preserving the nation’s iconic bird. To see a live kiwi makes an educational experience memorable and is something not everyone can say they have done. It is a shame to discontinue this, as community education is key to saving not only the kiwi but many of our protected birds. However, this is not the end for public kiwi shows. I hold a permit to show Snoopy at other locations away from the Whangarei Museum.

A few years ago we were asked by the Museum if I could stop visiting the schools so they could start an education program at the park and we could offer a better service for the schools. Until this month the education program has worked very well and to this very day I still get young people asking if I still have Snoopy. It is great to know that their visit to the Centre was something they will never forget.

The Museum has also been concerned about the stress on the birds during public viewings. This is a fair point and I can understand the need to highlight it. To alleviate these concerns I have to say, not just anyone can work with protected birds, or any birds for that matter. To have endemic or native birds in captivity you have to obtain a permit from the Department of Conservation (DOC). To get that permit you must prove your ability to care and cater for the birds. I would like to make it very clear that I would never place any bird in a situation that could cause it harm. Some birds love the attention, but there a few that would not cope well at all. This is why I only show the birds that I know will handle it on the day.

It took a long time before I could get a permit to have Snoopy the Kiwi. In addition to the DOC permit I also had to get a permit from the Animal Ethics Committee. I had to prove to a lot of people and committees that I was capable of doing the job before gaining the support I have today. The trust that I was given by all those involved has over the years proved very worthwhile and meant that we could play a key educational role.

Until a couple of years ago there was no training for those who wanted to help wild birds. The best way around not having formalised training, was to work and share information with Veterinarians, Zoo’s, Universities and DOC Scientists. Over the last 20 years we have built up a wealth of information and learned a lot about birds. As we progressed we were able to provide support to DOC to care for birds and provide a service that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do themselves.

If anyone ever has any doubt about what we do at the Centre, never be afraid to ask us. Alternatively you can contact DOC. Remember we are not a Zoo or a Wildlife Park, as we are governed by different permit criteria.

If you find birds you can bring them to us, you can still follow what happens at the Centre via our web site and by reading the Northpower column. For many years now the Northpower column has been the best way to share information with you.

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