Kiwi Birdlife Park preens itself

The 25th anniversary of the Queenstown Kiwi Birdlife Park drew more than 80 community and bird-park stalwarts to celebrate the achievements of staff and the founding Wilson family on Wednesday night.

Visitors mingled at the park's outdoor conservation arena before speeches, a conservation show and live music.

The lush native vegetation and endangered wildlife on display is in stark contrast to what the section looked like in 1986, when it was a mess of blackberry, broom and old car bodies.

Dick Wilson had a vision for the land, sparked by his passion for conservation and a desire to provide a place for people to view kiwi.

Although Mr Wilson did not live to see the park's 25th anniversary - he died last year at the age of 83 - his hard work made the park what it is today.

Dick's son, park director Paul Wilson, said his father had to first acquire the old refuge dump from the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

"It took a bit of convincing as to why you would want to turn a rubbish dump into a bird park. They thought the task was too big."

Starting with just one kiwi house and two aviaries, the Wilson family planted more than 8000 native trees and shrubs, and gradually turned the eyesore into an attraction.

"There weren't many tourist attractions around in those days, and there was even a quote from one councillor wondering if there was already enough tourist attractions around," Paul said.

"We now are competing with many other attractions, with adventure activities, restaurants and certain things in town for tourists, but our big aim is conservation."

Conservation was always his father's passion, and that love was passed on to his children.

The development of the park was a true family affair, involving his mother, Noeleen, and sister, Dawn.

Paul took over the company from his father in 2000 and the park now has 16 staff - one of whom has been with them for 22 years.

The third brown kiwi chick for the season is due to show its head in about a week, and although the previous two chicks died soon after hatching, staff are cautiously optimistic.

Wildlife manager Bridget Baynes said the chick was developing very well inside the egg.

It was significantly larger, and most likely stronger, than the two other eggs.

"What you do is you place your egg very carefully on a flat surface and pretend to be a kiwi dad whistling to the egg and then your egg ... will start to move and dance on the table.

"This egg was rolling and shaking and it's a good sign that the chick is strong and motivated."