Protecting our Native Birds

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) has now been detected in New Zealand.

There is currently no detection of H5N1 at Ngā Manu.

Here at Ngā Manu, the health and wellbeing of our animals and people is our top priority so, over the last 18 months, we have been putting a comprehensive H5N1 Preparedness Plan into action.

This plan, developed using Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) guidance, will help us to protect the precious native birds in our care while ensuring you can continue to enjoy everything that makes Ngā Manu special.

This means Ngā Manu continues to operate as normal.

Our:

  • wildlife experiences and guided tours continue;
  • walking trails remain open;
  • visitor centre and gift shop remain open;
  • conservation work continues.

 
A few changes visitors may notice are:

Bird feeding changes

To reduce opportunities for wild birds to congregate within the Reserve:

  • Duck food is no longer available for purchase.
  • Our tūī and wax-eye feeding stations have been removed.


Aviary improvements

We are upgrading our aviaries with enhanced biosecurity measures to better protect the birds in our care, while ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy viewing our species.

Some temporary construction may be visible while these improvements are completed.

How you can help

Protecting our native species is something we can all play a
role in. During your visit, please:

  • Do not feed birds anywhere in the Reserve.
  • Follow any biosecurity instructions from our team.

If you see a bird that appears sick, injured or deceased please:

  1. Do not touch the bird.
  2. Take note of where you saw it.
  3. Alert a member of the Ngā Manu team as soon as possible.

Our Rangers are trained to assess and handle situations involving birds safely and appropriately.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is H5N1?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is a strain of avian influenza (bird flu) that primarily affects birds. It can spread between birds through close contact, contaminated environments, and materials such as footwear or equipment.

While the risk to people remains low, H5N1 can have serious impacts on bird populations, particularly vulnerable species.

As a conservation organisation, Ngā Manu takes biosecurity extremely seriously. We have established procedures, training and response plans to help minimise risks and protect the species entrusted to our care.

Am I at risk of contracting bird flu?

The risk to the New Zealand public is low. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of H5N1 in people in New Zealand. Infection in people requires close contact with infected birds or other infected animals.
We have no infection at Ngā Manu.

I’ve found a sick, injured or orphaned bird. Can I bring it to Ngā Manu?

No. We are no longer receiving any birds at Ngā Manu. This precaution has been in place for some time to minimise the risk of H5N1 inadvertently coming into the reserve.

If you find a sick, injured or orphaned bird outside of Ngā Manu, we recommend you contact a local vet for assistance, or the Department of Conservation for advice on 0800 362 468.

Please follow Ministry for Primary Industries guidelines and avoid handling sick or dead birds and keep pets away from them.

If you find three or more sick, injured or dead birds, report this to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) through its Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

Will H5N1 impact my Ngā Manu booking?

All nature experiences, accommodation at Theo’s Cottage and Robin’s Nest bookings are running as normal and we’re looking forward to welcoming you!