Sunday, 5 July 2026

Colourful birds take pride of place

    By Jules Chin
    1. Regions
    2. North Otago

    Grace Mulvena, 6, and her brother Arlo, 4, point out their exhibition rainbow lorikeets Beau ...
    Grace Mulvena, 6, and her brother Arlo, 4, point out their exhibition rainbow lorikeets Beau (left) and Flossy at the North Otago Bird Club show. PHOTOS: JULES CHIN
    The 61st annual North Otago Bird Club show took place at the Drill Hall in Oamaru last weekend. This year the show ran in conjunction with the Budgerigar Society of New Zealand Show, with a patronage show that featured over 200 budgies.

    Eden Dickson, 15, of Oamaru with her galah, Cleo, which was judged best pet bird at the North...
    Eden Dickson, 15, of Oamaru with her galah, Cleo, which was judged best pet bird at the North Otago Bird Club annual show.
    Show secretary Joanna Anderson said they had 720 birds entered in the exhibition in 17 different categories from all over New Zealand. Categories included multiple budgies and canaries including roller canaries, the only canary bred solely for its song, and galahs, Ms Anderson said.

    The show, sponsored by Oamaru pet food business Topflite, also featured a pet bird section this year for the first time.

    Visitors admire different birds on show.
    Visitors admire different birds on show.
    "Well-respected" guest judge Peter Thurn, of Australia, was part of a panel of judges, Ms Anderson said.

    juliana.chin@oamarumail.co.nz

    Oamaru Mail