New homes sought for public garden aviary birds.

Published on 02 April 2026

Waitaki District Council is seeking to rehome its resident public garden aviary birds, as part of the removal of the aviaries.

An independent report highlighted that the 1960’s and 1970’s aviaries are no longer fit for purpose, or suitable for the welfare of the birds.

In 2014, Council paused the planned removal of the aviaries until they were no longer serviceable. At that time a replacement aviary was estimated to cost around $250,000.

The independent report(PDF, 472KB) recommended full demolition of the aviaries and replacement, as well as an increased staffing presence to care for the birds.

However, as part of Council’s Long Term Plan 2025 - 2034 the demolition of the aviaries was approved – as the capital costs of building a modern aviary and staffing it could extend to more than $400,000.

Depreciation has not been raised from ratings for the aviaries, following Council’s 2014 decision to keep them until no longer serviceable.

Council has approached local bird societies to gauge their interest in rehoming the birds but would like to extend the offer to the wider community – subject to having suitable aviaries or the ability to care for the birds.

This does include Jimmy, the sulphur-crested cockatoo. Part of the report indicates that footfall past the aviary is low, and Jimmy is not receiving the enrichment of human contact to a level which is best for his wellbeing.

No demolition work will take place until birds have been rehomed, with Council intending to remove both aviaries at the same time.

Anyone interested in viewing the birds available, or discussing rehoming, can contact Waitaki District Council on 03 433 0300 or by emailing service@waitaki.govt.nz or filling out this online form: Oamaru Public Gardens Aviary Bird Rehoming Evaluation

A list of birds available is below;