Cr Steve Walker expressed his support for the proposal after councillors considered a Dunedin Botanic Garden plan at a workshop on Monday.
An early goal of the plan would be embracing ‘‘environmental stewardship’’, including reviewing the purpose and future focus of the aviary, assessing community sentiment and the aviary’s role in promoting sustainability and conservation.
Cr Walker, a trustee of Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and a member of the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, said he understood the review would gauge community and stakeholder feedback on the possibility of halting or reducing the amount of exotic birds.
‘‘In the wildlife capital of New Zealand, in a city with a world-renowned wildlife hospital and a nationally recognised predator-free programme, it would seem logical that we begin placing a greater emphasis on the conservation of our precious native manu [birds] rather than keeping an array of exotic birds far away from their native environments, in cages that restrict their natural behaviours,’’ Cr Walker said.
‘‘I have my own personal views, but if there is overwhelming community sentiment to either halt, reduce or keep housing exotic birds I’ll likely support the community feedback, particularly if it’s unequivocal.’’
Cr Walker, who has previous supported a review, said it was long overdue.
Admiring the exotic birds on Wednesday was visitor Hailey Potts, of Nelson.
She tried to visit the aviary every time she was in Dunedin, and felt the exotic birds still had a place there, she said.
‘‘It's really cool that ... they choose to invest in this and have this out.
‘‘This is what you pay for at a zoo - and it's just here.’’
Development of the Dunedin Botanic Garden Plan began in December 2020.
