Wellington's Only Licensed Native Bird Rehabilitator - Flock Birdcare's DOC Permit Explained

Nyssa Skorji
Jun 19
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Flock Birdcare Wellington holds an active Wildlife Act Authority (DOC permit No. 120038-FAU), issued 22 September 2025. This makes us Wellington's only

y be accepted by just any rescue organisation. Our permit authorises us to catch, temporarily hold (up to 3 months), transfer, and liberate the species listed below.

Which Native Birds Can We Accept?

Under our current DOC permit, Flock is authorised to temporarily hold and transfer the following species:

Kereru (NZ wood pigeon)
Tui
Kotare (sacred kingfisher)
Tauhou (silvereye)
Piwakawaka (fantail)

What Does Temporarily Hold Mean?

Our permit covers stabilisation and temporary holding - not long-term full rehabilitation for all species. For kereru in particular, we can stabilise and temporarily house them, then coordinate with Tony Stoddard from Kereru Discovery, who holds a DOC holding and transport permit and can transfer kereru directly to The Nest Te Kohanga at Wellington Zoo. Full kereru rehabilitation requires a dedicated aviary - a 3x2m structure we are currently fundraising to build.

Tony Stoddard and Kereru Discovery

For kereru and specialist seabirds, Tony Stoddard from Kereru Discovery is often the best first call in Wellington. Tony holds a DOC holding and transport permit and works closely with Flock and The Nest to ensure birds get to the right facility as quickly as possible.

Why Flock Birdcare Is Wellington's Only Independent DOC-Permitted Rescue

Not all bird rescue organisations are permitted to handle native species. Our DOC permit reflects years of expertise, the right facilities, and a vetted relationship with qualified wildlife veterinarians through our partnership with Avian Empire. This combination is rare - and it means that when Wellington's native birds are in trouble, Flock is the place they need to come first.

Found an Injured Native Bird in Wellington?

If you have found an injured or orphaned native bird, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. Do not attempt to care for native birds yourself - it is illegal without a permit, and they have very specific care requirements. Contact Flock Birdcare Wellington at flockwellington@gmail.com or call 0211955509 and we will guide you through the next steps.

Support Flock Birdcare Wellington - we are a volunteer-run charitable trust and every donation goes directly to patient care. Visit www.flockwellington.com/donate to make a one-off or monthly contribution. Every feathered friend we release is thanks to people like you.