As the sun set at Musick Point on Tuesday, a small group of dedicated locals gathered for a moment that was as emotional as it was inspiring.
They were there for the release of a rehabilitated Diving Petrel bird back into the wild.
It was affectionately named Stacey by a six-year-old child who was part of the release team.
Rescued after crash-landing in Auckland’s bustling Viaduct, the bird was disoriented by the city’s artificial lights, a common threat for seabirds.
Grounded and unable to fly without wind or elevation, the tiny seabird was at serious risk of starvation, injury from walking on built infrastructure, and predation.
Fortunately, Stacey’s story took a turn for the better thanks to a rapid response from wildlife advocates.
Initially taken to Pet Doctors for an initial triage, Stacey was kept in a humidified incubator overnight then transferred to BirdCare Aotearoa Native Bird Hospital.
Jono Lambregts, a Howick local and BirdCare Aotearoa hospital manager, and his team treated Stacey with a plan including seafood marinara, squid, krill oil, pain relief, subcutaneous fluids, and a special waterproofing feather bath after failing an initial float test.
At just 105 grams, the odds were stacked against Stacey, but after four days of expert care, the bird passed its final swim test with flying colours.
The BirdCare team then quickly rallied a team of dedicated wildlife locals for the planned release at Musick Point.
Joining BirdCare’s Dr Rashi Parker and her six-year-old daughter, who opened the release with a heartfelt karakia, were several well-known locals: conservationist, Olympian, and Howick Local Board member (and present candidate) Bruce Kendall; fellow Howick Local Board candidate Sarah Kavanagh; and local jeweller and wildlife advocate Tania Mallow.
Earlier this month, Kendall and Kavanagh also helped release a rehabilitated Fluttering Shearwater (pakahā) at Eastern Beach.
“Being a part of BirdCare’s ongoing bird releases in east Auckland is an incredibly moving and special experience,” says Kavanagh.
“It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community, conservation, and compassion come together.
“Sadly, these releases are becoming more common as our native birds are disoriented by artificial lighting at night.
“We can all play a part in helping to reduce this. BirdCare Aotearoa has some great tips for helping us to be mindful of our use of outdoor lighting,” says Kavanagh.
That bird was named Sir Barry John Curtis by the former Mayor of Manukau, with advice from Sir Barry (the gentleman), “next time call the media!” (and so here we are).
Tania, whose partnership with BirdCare Aotearoa and wildlife photographer Simon Runting, raises funds through a limited edition Tītī (Cook’s Petrel) necklace, helped release Stacey alongside Bruce.
Their collaboration donates 50 per cent of profits to BirdCare to support the ongoing rescue, rehabilitation, and release of vulnerable native birds.
“I’m so excited to collaborate on this truly special project,” said Tania.
“Simon’s image of a Tītī taking flight after rehabilitation carries a powerful conservation message.
“Through this necklace, people can wear their support for these beautiful, vulnerable seabirds, and the work BirdCare Aotearoa does to protect them.”
A call to action
BirdCare Aotearoa is a registered charity that relies heavily on donations and grants.
The team welcomes environmentally conscious business partners looking to make a real, hands-on impact in local wildlife conservation.
The Howick Local Board generously supports BirdCare’s operational costs, including critical supplies such as gloves, oxygen tanks, bird feed, and medical equipment, especially for rescues coming from the east Auckland area.
The organisation is also calling on residents to be mindful of their outdoor lighting, as artificial light at night (ALAN) continues to disorient native seabirds like Stacey.
Suggested changes include installing motion sensors, shielding upward light spill, and choosing warmer light tones to help protect our beautiful native birds.
- To support BirdCare Aotearoa or learn more about their work, visit https://www.birdcareaotearoa.org.nz.
- Explore the Tītī necklace fundraiser at www.taniamallowjewellery.co.nz.
- Follow Simon Runting’s photography at @simonbirdphotography on Instagram.
