Backlash after Whangārei bird centre fined over visitor holding kiwi chick
Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre manager Robert Webb says he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support after the centre was fined $400 for letting a visitor hold a baby kiwi.
The Department of Conservation (DoC) issued the fine, saying enforcement action was necessary and the incident followed repeated breaches of the centre’s wildlife permit.
The centre was fined for a breach involving a kiwi chick, which Webb said he allowed a visitor to hold briefly while he went into the bird’s aviary earlier this year.
The breach was discovered after the visitor later posted a photograph on social media.
In the week since the Northern Advocate broke the story, the Webbs and the centre have received widespread praise for their work in the past 34 years.
Webb said the public support had been overwhelming and it was wonderful to know the public thought so highly of the couple and the centre.
He said people had offered to pay the fine and make donations, which was heartening and reassuring.
Webb described the situation with the fine as over the top.
“That chick was one I hatched here in the centre. It was among two abandoned eggs found in Glenbervie. One of them died, sadly, but the other we raised by hand. In effect we’re its mum and dad. I wouldn’t do anything to harm one of my babies.”
Webb said DoC had not approved that any member of the public hold the chick involved.
He was advised he would receive a fine and a warning letter – the fine for unauthorised handling of a juvenile kiwi and the warning for four other permit breaches.
The Northern Advocate has asked DoC for details of the other alleged breaches and any fines for similar cases. DoC is considering the request under the Official Information Act.
DoC last week said kiwi permits require handlers – Webb being one – to follow a best-practice manual. The manual states that during advocacy encounters, kiwi may only be held by an approved kiwi handler, to protect the bird’s welfare.
The department had offered support to help the trust become compliant.
DoC Whangārei operations manager Rob Akuhat said it values the long-standing contribution Robert and Robyn Webb have made to conservation.
He acknowledged their commitment to caring for native wildlife, including kiwi, has made a significant difference and is recognised and appreciated.
“However, permit conditions are in place to protect the wellbeing of our vulnerable native species, and DoC has a responsibility to act when those conditions are not met,” Akuhat said.
“We are continuing to work constructively with the centre to support compliance and ensure the best possible protection for the wildlife in their care.”
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