Whangārei centre celebrates 25 years of saving birds

A birthday celebration with, front row from left, vet Bruce Pickford, William Malpass from Bayer NZ, Robert Webb, long-time volunteer Sophie Edwards, Robyn Webb and Kay Malcolm, partly obscured.

New Zealand's iconic native species is flightless but Whangārei's Sparky, the one-legged kiwi, has chalked up more air miles than any other local bird.

Tales of Sparky's aeroplane flights to various community or national conservation events were among stories Robert Webb, founder of the Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre, told guests at the centre's 25th anniversary AGM on Thursday.

Among those present were longtime supporters, including representatives from major sponsors Northpower and Beyer NZ and dedicated volunteers.

Webb talked about the centre's early beginnings when he and his wife Robyn were looking after injured birds they found or which others brought to their home.

After the Webbs' efforts outgrew their home and resources, the Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre was developed in the Whangārei Museum grounds.

Robert Webb about to release a grumpy seagull after its two weeks in care.

The facility is now a well recognised educational centre and hospital for feathered patients, sometimes even for tuatara and other native wildlife. Over 1000 birds are saved and released every year.

"See all these awards and recognition I've got," Webb said, referring to various certificates, and a Queen's Service Medal for Public Service (awarded in 1999).

"But where are Robyn's? It's not fair that women don't get as much recognition as men.

"Robyn is always here with me, she's always been here, right from day one. She's not always out in front talking to people like I am, but I couldn't have done any of it without Robyn working as hard as I have."

The word "native" still appears in the name but any species of bird will be cared for should it be brought in or Webb notified about one he needs to pick up.

The 25th anniversary celebration was followed by the AGM, but before that meeting the occasion was commemorated with the release of a bird that was busting to leave hospital.

The seagull had been brought in with a torn neck and ruptured crop which the recovery centre's volunteer vet Bruce Pickford stitched up.

After its stitches were ceremoniously removed, it was held up by Webb and released.

More about Whangārei Native Bird Recovery's volunteers, history and feathered friends in next Saturday's paper.