BirdCare Aotearoa is delighted to have received a Highly Commended in the 2022 EcoMatters Love Your Place Awards.

The charity, which cares for over 6,000 wild birds every year, was nominated for the Rātā Award. This award recognises an outstanding (predominantly) volunteer group or organisation taking action on a local environmental issue.

The judges’ commendation recognises BirdCare Aotearoa’s contribution to conservation, not only through their wildlife rehabilitation and release activities but also their care for the wider ecosystem.

“Not only do they care for birds, they also care for the local native bush through pest animal and plant control, and by planting more natives. This is improving local conservation and biodiversity, providing more native wildlife habitat for food and breeding,” the EcoMatters Awards judges said.

BirdCare Aotearoa General Manager, Dr Lynn Miller was delighted to accept the commendation, along with two volunteers, at the awards evening on 2 August.

“This acknowledgement from our local community means a great deal to us all here at BirdCare Aotearoa. It is even more exciting when you hear about the incredible work being done by others in the community. That BirdCare Aotearoa is counted among those nominated is testament to our incredible volunteers.”

“As a small team, BirdCare Aotearoa relies on volunteers to keep the centre running. Volunteers help with everything from running errands, gardening and maintenance, reception and administration, governance, right through to hands-on bird care.”

“We are extremely grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Without them, BirdCare Aotearoa wouldn’t be here to protect New Zealand’s very special birdlife,” Miller says.

BirdCare Aotearoa responds to avian casualties – sick, injured and orphaned wild birds – primarily in the Auckland region. They also provide technical and educational support to rehabilitation facilities, veterinarians, wildlife agencies, and communities throughout New Zealand. BirdCare Aotearoa supports people to grow their love and care for wild birds, and contributes to positive conservation and community outcomes.

Established as the New Zealand Bird Rescue Charitable Trust in 2009, the facility has evolved from a “cottage rescue centre” to a professional wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre. In 2021, the charity rebranded to BirdCare Aotearoa.

Last year, BirdCare Aotearoa admitted 6,710 birds of 175 different species. They are on track to exceed that this year, with admissions up 20 percent.

For more information about BirdCare Aotearoa and how you can support their life-saving work for wild birds, you can visit https://birdcareaotearoa.org.nz/

• The Love Your Place Awards celebrate volunteers, businesses and schools making a difference for the environment in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area. The awards are held every two years.
• BirdCare Aotearoa is the largest wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre in New Zealand by the sheer number of birds cared for – over 6,000 admissions annually.
• The centre provides veterinary care and rehabilitation for all sick, injured and orphaned wild birds, engages in research and advocacy, and provides education and training for other wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife rangers, veterinarians and allied professionals, students, volunteers, and the wider community.
• Most birds are brought to the Green Bay centre by members of the public, as well as by the SPCA, Department of Conservation, Auckland Council, Fish & Game New Zealand, veterinary clinics, and other wildlife rehabilitators.
• BirdCare Aotearoa receives no ongoing government funding and relies entirely on the support of the community and businesses for donations, grants and sponsorship. To learn about how you can support their work, visit https://birdcareaotearoa.org.nz/

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