Save Te Anau's Bird Sanctuary! Help us challenge DOC!
Save the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Join our legal fight against DOC (Department of Conservation) and return our ambassador birds!
Te Anau, Southland
The Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, Punanga Manu o Te Anau, is under threat. This amazing community asset has supported conservation, advocacy, and breed-for-release programs, but DOC are now removing birds from the sanctuary without asking for community help.
We are exploring legal options to save our 'bird park' and return our taonga (treasured) ambassador birds.
*The whio (blue ducks) have successfully raised chicks for release each year, but DOC removed them suddenly. DOC refused to comment on their plans to remove birds in advance or seek community support so these birds could stay. The whio were sponsored by a local business.
*DOC plans to remove all birds except the takahē may remain. Our pāteke and kākāriki could be removed at any time. Our kākā have been gone for over a year.
*DOC created a review of the Sanctuary in 2024 and discussed removing the takahē, even though Te Anau is linked to the rediscovery of takahē in 1948. DOC's review paper struck a very different tone than the 2017 review and seemed to undermine the sanctuary's accomplishments.
*DOC has stated Te Anau is unsuitable for kākā, but has been unable to explain why. This issue is centred around Charlie Girl Kākā, who has her own fundraiser.
*Christina has hired Mr Stewart Sluis to address the administrative law concerns around DOC's actions. Mr Sluis is working closely with Ian Robertson, Charlie's welfare lawyer, but is focused on the Sanctuary. With your help, we can take legal action for Te Anau's native birds.
Use of funds
To pay legal fees to Stewart Sluis regarding the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Any excess funds will go to buying enrichment for native birds. Note: Stewart Sluis is working with Ian Robertson, Charlie's welfare lawyer, as there is an overlap of legal issues.
Latest update
We're still fighting for Te Anau's Bird Park 3 March 2026
The beautiful sanctuary still has its ambasador Takahē and Antipodes Island Kākāriki and other beloved birds, but this could change.
Through our work with bringing Charlie Girl Kākā home, we have secured mediation with DOC. While we can't share details of the mediation unless all parties agree, this mediation is progressing and we've made some positive steps.
Meanwhile, there's no real news or updates from DOC on the sanctuary itself. DOC has stopped daily tours without explanation. Advocates have been harassed and threatened. And it seems that DOC will still remove birds as soon as feasible, which is not fair to the community, nor does this support advocacy and conservation.
Through our mediation work, there is a promise of coming together, however. We remain hopeful, and Ian and Stewart the lawyers have been working hard to look at all the details and ensure mediation goes well. This means more legal bills, and your help by sharing this fundraiser with others who care about conservation and advocacy would be a huge help!
Together we can make a difference.
If you live or work in/near Te Anau, there are steps you can take to help the bird park- professionally and through appropriate channels. Please reach out to VetAltCare@gmail.com for more information.
Latest donations
Thank you, Maggie, for your generous support! We greatly appreciate your donation for Te Anau's Bird Park <3
Thank you for your kind support and donation(s)! We appreciate you joining the fight to save Te Anau's bird park!
Thank you deeply for your generous support. It is greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much for your donation(s) and for supporting the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary! We couldn't do this without people like you!
Thank you so much, Kelly, for your kind words and your generous support. People such as yourself are such a major part of Te Anau and so many like you appreciate the jewel that is the bird sanctuary in Te Anau <3
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