Open Door - Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre

This episode of Open Door looks at the Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre. Established in 1992, the centre rescues, raises and rehabilitates over 1000 birds each year. It runs breeding programmes for kiwi and other native birds, and education programmes for children and the general public. "No bird is turned away" is the mantra of founders Robert and Robyn Webb. This episode features the centre's beloved resident, Woof Woof the talking tūī, who sings a stunning rendition of Pop Goes the Weasel. Woof Woof died in 2011 when he was 16 years old, with Robyn and Robert at his side. 

He definitely has a way with birds. He’s a very calming influence on them, so they can come in quite stressed, and within hours he’ll have them feeding from his hand.

– Department of Conservation Ranger Pete Graham on "bird whisperer" Robert Webb's way with birds

Key Cast & Crew

Phillip McPhillips

Composer

Alice Mila

Narrator

Anneke Barrington

Director

Rewa Harker

Production Manager

Reuben Simmonds

Camera Operator, Sound Recordist

Emma Watkinson

Network Executive