The Department of Conservation (DOC) has decided to withdraw its management of the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Te Punanga Manu and is now actively exploring alternatives.

The popular local attraction, an easy walk from the Fiordland tourist town, is home to a number of New Zealand native birds including four South Island takahē, two kōwhiowhio/blue duck, four pāteke/brown teal and three Antipodes Island kākāriki and an itinerant number of waterfowl.

Its main function under DOC has been as a captive breeding space for pateke and whio and the fostering of takahē chicks, as well as some advocacy work.

DOC's decision, made in January, follows a 3-month review which found that although the sanctuary was important for conservation, it was not critical to the advocacy or protection of the species it housed – therefore not considered as high priority biodiversity work for the department.

DOC’s Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming said the sanctuary required substantial investment in infrastructure and staffing to make it sustainable.

“One example is the takahē enclosure, which needs significant investment, with 2023 costings sitting around $100,000.”

The decision comes as DOC faces its own financial challenges and investment priorities, which means it is not currently in a position to fund the upgrades needed at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Te Punanga Manu.

Te Anau's Bird Sanctuary is an easy walk or bike ride from the Te Anau town centre. Photo: Southland App

“Locally DOC’s high priority biodiversity work also needs investment, such as critical infrastructure to maintain predator-free Fiordland islands that are home to critically endangered species, including kākāpō, tīeke and mohua,” said Flemming.

“We know Te Punanga Manu is much loved by the Te Anau community and visitors alike, which is why alternative models to fund and operate the sanctuary will be considered.”

DOC said there have been some expressions of interest in the facility from other parties, and these opportunities would be investigated alongside key stakeholders.

Southland Regional Development Agency Great South would be supporting DOC in the evaluation process, they said.

Flemming said it was anticipated the next phase could take a number of months.

When the Southland App asked if the sanctuary's native birds, including takahe, would be allowed to stay, Flemming said permits to hold wildlife could be applied for under alternative models.

The sanctuary will keep operating as usual while alternative management options are explored further.

“The well-being of manu will continue to come first no matter the outcome of the review,” said Flemming.

“We will keep the community, sponsors and stakeholders informed as things develop,” he said.

Fiordland Community Board chair Diane Holmes said the bird park was a very special part of the local community and for iwi, and it would be tremendously upsetting if it were to close.

Holmes said that Great South statistics show it is the number two place visited in Te Anau.

"I think questions need to be asked about why the park hasn't had regular maintenance and upgrades for so long that we've ended up here."

"I am sure the attention that the kaka created [the sanctuary's kaka - Charlie Girl - was relocated by DOC to Dunedin in June 2024, causing a vocal local campaign for her return] has made DOC probably look more intensely at the [bird] park as a whole."

"I really do sincerely hope that some clarity comes from this process and that new opportunities arise."

Holmes said the community board would be meeting with the local DOC leaders towards the end of this month to discuss the situation.

At the time of publication, the Southland App was unable to ascertain if any bird species would be relocated should the facility's management change.

The Punanga Manu o Te Anau/ Te Anau Bird Sanctuary has a long, varied history spanning several organisations over many decades. It is thought it was initially set up by the Southern Acclimatisation Society and in 1945 became a Department of Internal Affairs hatchery. DOC’s role began in 1987 when it took over from the Wildlife Service, and Fish and Game replaced Acclimatisation societies. Over time it has been a trout hatchery, a Wildlife Service Office, workshop and staff base, before eventually evolving to become a wildlife park with the first captive rearing facility for takahē.