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Two lawyers, six veterinarians! We are pursuing legal action against DOC over welfare concerns for Charlie Girl Kākā.

  • DOC mediation for Charlie Girl Kākā in February

      28 January 2026
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    Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful support and for continuing to donate and spread the word.

    Just a short update that mediation is still planned for February, which is just around the corner. We will have some strategy meetings with the lawyers before mediation, and discuss some related concerns and threads that need to be addressed for other native parrots.

    We're also extending the fundraiser deadline so people can continue to support Charlie's legal fees. Every dollar is a vote of support for Charlie and for positive outcomes for her welfare. Please again share our fundraiser on social media, via email, etc. Every person who gives a little makes a huge difference for Charlie and her fellow kākā as we work towards positive outcomes and better welfare for native parrots.

    Charlie is a special needs birds, and Dunedin residents report she is still weaving, hanging from the wall in an abnormal posture for long periods, and exhibiting other abnormal repetitive behaviours. It's been a year since Charlie's welfare report, and it's clear they aren't meeting the criteria outlined in the report for Charlie. Thus, change is desperately needed for Charlie and trying to recreate Te Anau at Dunedin has not worked.

    Want to learn more about Charlie's welfare report? Click here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14TYqz5L4R6/

    Thank you again everyone for your support of Charlie and the amazing messages!

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  • Progress (and concerns) for Charlie Girl and other kākā

      8 January 2026
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    We have some potential good news! DOC has agreed to come to the table and talk via mediation.

    While we are partially sceptical, we are also very hopeful that this will lead to positive changes for Charlie and for the SI kākā breeding program.

    Despite this, our advocacy work isn't done. Team Charlie is greatly concerned by language in the SI kākā breeding documents, including calling kākā with special needs 'burdensome' and considering euthanasia. We are already investigating further and discussing legal action.

    We could not be doing all this without your support! For over a year, we've worked on many threads to help Charlie and have uncovered more and more concerns. Christina has triggered an MPI investigation, an Independent Welfare Investigation, and other critical steps. We are grateful that DOC are willing to talk, and hope they will make the needed improvements, but we have a long list of concerns.

    We also have a confession. The legal fees have recently piled up. While your donations have been an amazing help, Christina has covered the rest out of her savings account. Charlie and her fellow kākā are well worth it, but we still need your support.

    Please share our fundraiser with people who might Give A Little to our campaign. Even small donations show that people care and encourage DOC to collaborate. We have an opportunity to effect change, but it takes a village.

    PS- more updates about Charlie, concerns for her not getting meds, etc on her Facebook page.

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  • Charlie Girl Kākā caught up in a failing SI Kākā breeding program, international parrot welfare vet writes critical letter.

      25 November 2025
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    Not only is Charlie Girl STILL showing a high level of Abnormal Repetitive Behaviours at the Dunedin breeding facility, but Dunedin only had 2 chicks from 8 pairs last breeding season.

    We're not surprised. Many kākā and kea can be seen pacing at Dunedin, and their welfare has been ignored. Furthermore, DOC contradicted findings in Charlie's Independent Welfare Report. DOC and DCC have ignored concerns and multiple welfare issues, and this means nearly 90% of kākā at Dunedin aren't well and can't be successful parents.

    But now Dr. Jan Hooimeijer, international parrot welfare veterinarian who has toured with Dr Irene Pepperberg, has looked at Charlie's case and the Dunedin breeding program and he is disappointed by their failures.

    Dr Jan reviewed official documents, photos, and videos.

    He concluded:

    *Moving Charlie (and other kākā) from Te Anau to Dunedin was NOT in the best interests of these parrots, nor did it benefit the SI Kākā breeding program.

    *It was NOT appropriate for Dunedin to confiscate Charlie from Te Anau in an attempt to fix existing reproductive problems at Dunedin.

    *The attempt to involve Charlie in the breeding program in Dunedin has created

    predictable, serious behavior-welfare problems for Charlie.

    *Charlie should return to Te Anau.

    Charlie's lawyers will release Dr Jan's letter soon, along with their own letter.

    You can help! Share this fundraiser and ask your friends to Give A Little. We're still fighting for Charlie, and your support matters!

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  • We're still working to support Charlie's welfare

      29 September 2025
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    We have been working hard behind the scenes!

    *DOC has removed whiō (blue ducks) suddenly from Te Anau. Due to DOC removing birds from the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, Punanga Manu o Te Anau, we have engaged a second lawyer to address this and other administrative concerns. Additional details on this second lawyer will be available soon. Te Anau was Charlie's home for 24 years, and where she was happy.

    *The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary has been a vital part of the community and has successfully supported species such as kākā, takahē, whiō, and pāteke. These species have successfully contributed to their breed for release programs over the years.

    *We have successfully engaged the Opposition MP for Conservation, the Hon Priyanka Radhakrishnan.

    *Charlie's lawyers are exploring multiple concerns and legal angles, which we will provide updates on as we can. We will provide more regular and more detailed updates as we can.

    *Bottom line. There are many welfare and administrative issues to unpack. Christina Abramowicz, Charlie's volunteer vet in Te Anau, has been advocating for Charlie's welfare since May 2024, before Charlie was moved. We have a large community concerned for Charlie and the other native parrots at Dunedin, and we are grateful for all the support- through messages, through GiveALittle, and so much more. Thank you!

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  • Legal Update for Charlie Girl Kākā

      29 July 2025
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    Christina Abramowicz, Charlie's former volunteer vet in Te Anau, has signed on with Guardianz to represent Charlie. Christina and her colleagues are happy to have Guardianz's on the case: Ian Robertson is a veterinarian and lawyer with the expertise and experience to navigate this issue.

    Guardianz states: “Guardianz specialises in navigating the complex intersection between animal welfare, legal frameworks, and institutional responsibilities. We’re proud to be involved in assisting with Charlie’s case, where multiple agendas must be balanced to support her well-being and ensure informed, fair outcomes.”

    We are grateful to Guardianz for providing a discount for their initial work. The total is over $5,000 NZD and Christina has paid for this from her bank account. Charlie's supporters have contributed over $1,000 towards Charlie's legal fees via givealittle, and the funds are going to excellent use. We still have a long road ahead, and appreciate the ongoing support!

    Please keep sharing Charlie's fundraiser and encourage your friends to Give a Little too! We can't do this without support from amazing people like you.

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