Full Breakdown
Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre Fined Over Juvenile Kiwi Handling
6/23/2026, 4:44:52 AM
Fine Imposed for Unauthorized Kiwi Handling
The Department of Conservation (DoC) issued a fine and a warning letter to Robert Webb, a founder-handler at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre, for unauthorised handling of a juvenile kiwi. The fine follows four additional breaches of the centre’s wildlife permit, which DoC says have occurred repeatedly since 2019. DoC staff observed the incident after a visitor posted a photograph on social media.
Background: Centre’s History, Permit Issues, and Key Figures
Founded in 1992 by Robert and Robyn Webb, the centre has rescued and rehabilitated native birds for three decades. The centre’s long-standing practice included public interaction with resident kiwi Sparky, who arrived as a chick 23 years ago and has toured schools with DoC approval. DoC’s best-practice manual for kiwi handlers, updated in recent years, now requires that only approved handlers may hold kiwi during advocacy encounters. Dylan Swain, DoC’s team lead for wildlife crime, noted that the centre’s permit has been breached on multiple occasions since 2019.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- 1992 – Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre established.
- 2019 onward – DoC records repeated permit breaches.
- Recent weeks – Visitor photographs juvenile kiwi being held; DoC conducts site visit.
- Following visit – DoC issues fine for unauthorised handling and warning for four other breaches; offers compliance support.
- Subsequent weeks – Centre founders express concerns about potential tourism restrictions and report founder Robert Webb’s recent hospitalisation for a heart issue.
Department of Conservation Response
DoC maintains that enforcement was necessary to uphold wildlife-permit conditions and protect kiwi welfare. Swain emphasized that the department values the centre’s work but must act when permit terms are repeatedly violated. DoC also extended assistance to help the centre achieve compliance with current handling guidelines.
Founders’ Opposition and Concerns
Robert Webb described the fine as “unfair and disproportionate,” arguing it reflects a shift away from the “nuanced, common-sense approach” that guided the centre’s early years. He warned that restricting public viewing of kiwi could deter tourists, jeopardising the centre’s financial viability and, ultimately, the birds’ welfare. Webb also cited a past incident in which former Prime Minister Helen Clark was permitted to hold a chick, contending that DoC’s claim of no prior approvals is inaccurate.
Operational Role of the Centre
Webb highlighted the centre’s rapid response capability: “DoC ring me on weekends about birds out at different beaches. By the time they get a vehicle released and get permission to go out, the bird would be dead. We can have a local pick it up and courier it in.” He asserts that this on-the-ground responsiveness has been essential to the centre’s effectiveness for decades.
Conflicting Accounts of Past Public Handling
The founders assert that DoC previously authorised public handling of kiwi, referencing the Helen Clark incident. DoC, however, reports no record of such approval and notes that best-practice rules have since changed, making similar handling unlikely to be permitted today.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We value the work of the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre, but repeated breaches of the permit since 2019 have required us to take action,” — Dylan Swain, DoC team lead for wildlife crime
- “They knew exactly what we did. Now suddenly it’s all wrong,” — Robert Webb, founder
- “DoC ring me on weekends about birds out at different beaches. By the time they get a vehicle released and get permission to go out, the bird would be dead. We can have a local pick it up and courier it in.” — Robert Webb
- “it will be the birds that will suffer,” — Robert Webb
- “We’ve given our lives to this place.” — Robert Webb
Outlook and Potential Impact
DoC is considering further restrictions on public access to kiwi enclosures, which the founders fear could reduce visitor numbers and threaten the centre’s sustainability. The department’s ongoing compliance support and the centre’s response will shape the future of native bird rehabilitation in Whangarei.
