Hunua Bird Life

Hunua Bird Life DOC Certified rehabilitation facility and Charitable Trust (CC62722) for native land birds

The following post is written by Lenny van Heugten, daughter and author of the book - Given the recent flurry of news a...
28/08/2026

The following post is written by Lenny van Heugten, daughter and author of the book -

Given the recent flurry of news about the Hūnua kōkako population - it's strong numbers at over 400 pairs from just a single pair in 1994, the oldest known breeding female, and the recent translocations of 20 birds to help a tiny population in Northland survive - it seems timely to remind you that there is a book documenting the history up to 2022.

It's a great coffee table book, a great fathers day gift, great for older members of the district who will recognise names and images, and wonderful to gift friends and family who may like to know more about the area or the projects friends and family have been involved in.

You can purchase the books from - www.friendsofhunuaranges.co.nz - for $37, or borrow it from your local library. All profits are held by Friends of Hunua Ranges to continue to enhance the ngahere for all who use it.

🐣 A tiny rescue with a fighting spiritThis little spur-winged plover chick came into care after being separated from its...
25/08/2026

🐣 A tiny rescue with a fighting spirit

This little spur-winged plover chick came into care after being separated from its parents and found cold, weak and in need of help.

After warmth, hydration, appropriate food and plenty of careful monitoring, the little one began to perk up, find its feet and start eating independently. 💚

Young birds like this can be incredibly vulnerable, and knowing what to do in those first few hours can make a huge difference.

This is just one example of the birds that come through our network and the people who work alongside Hunua Bird Life to give them the best possible chance of recovery and, wherever possible, return to the wild.

Supporting Hunua Bird Life helps us continue rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy for birds across our community.

Every little life matters. 🐦🌿

22/08/2026

Kōkako song...

After 3 trips to Waipoua Forest all 20 kōkako have now been released to strengthen their remnant kōkako population. Will...
22/08/2026

After 3 trips to Waipoua Forest all 20 kōkako have now been released to strengthen their remnant kōkako population. Willow went up to help release them, and was warmly welcomed at the marae.

In the first picture they measure a leg bone to determine the gender; the boys are slightly bigger than the girls.

I will post a further video of the kōkako arrival song.

The translocation team, including Willow, catch kōkako in mist nets.They check their health, weight them, take blood and...
19/08/2026

The translocation team, including Willow, catch kōkako in mist nets.

They check their health, weight them, take blood and f***l samples, and give them unique identification leg bands.

Then they go into purpose designed aviaries. Kōkako eat leaves, berries, other fruit, insects, flowers and nectar. Their diet changes per season, depending on availability.

The translocation team in the Hunua Ranges have been busy catching kōkako, and the population in the Waipoua forest in N...
19/08/2026

The translocation team in the Hunua Ranges have been busy catching kōkako, and the population in the Waipoua forest in Northland will get 20 new birds. What a success story for both kōkako populations!

UPDATE: We made $175, mostly with the sale of dahlia bulbs (all 3 boxes are gone!) and second-hand items. This will feed...
14/08/2026

UPDATE: We made $175, mostly with the sale of dahlia bulbs (all 3 boxes are gone!) and second-hand items. This will feed quite a few kereru for a while. We also caught up with new locals and people we had not seen for a while. Please remember, koha, money donations and donations of bird related second-hand items are most appreciated! Thanks to the community for your support :)

Today we are fundraising at The Ararimu Market ! Pop down and have a rummage through our bird themed second hand and hand made items or purchase some indoor plants, native seedlings to feed the birds, or dahlia bulbs !

We hope to see you today, and look forward to using your donations to continue to help our native bird species.

Caption the journey of a concussed ruru. So much going on in these pictures!She will be set free tonight, after a good f...
09/08/2026

Caption the journey of a concussed ruru. So much going on in these pictures!

She will be set free tonight, after a good feed.

Around mid-winter we received some unexpected donations. $150 here, a cute $7.50 there, I was not sure what to make of i...
31/07/2026

Around mid-winter we received some unexpected donations. $150 here, a cute $7.50 there, I was not sure what to make of it. It added up to $452.50 in total.

This was when Russell Cannings contacted me. He explained that Birding NZ held a Midwinter Big Day bird count in North Waikato, and Hunua Bird Life was the chosen charity. Some people donated a set amount, and some gave money per species they observed. That explained the $7.50!

Thank you so much guys, the money is very welcome and will be used to directly benefit the birds in our care. If you wish to receive a receipt for tax purposes, please message me your email details.

I hope it was a fun weekend with some great birds!

Address

2826a Hunua Road
Papakura

Opening Hours

Monday 6:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday 6:30pm - 9pm
Wednesday 6:30pm - 9pm
Thursday 6:30pm - 9pm
Friday 6:30pm - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+642108910021

Website

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