Tauranga’s retirement village residents are being offered a unique opportunity on Friday, July 26, to view champion birds a day ahead of the national show opening.

In what is looking to be one of NZ’s largest bird shows in a decade, thousands of people are expected to flock to Mercury Baypark next weekend for the Topflite National Bird Show.

“We have an opportunity for a specially guided tour of the show, open to residents of retirement villages and elderly care facilities on the Friday afternoon before it opens to the public,” says Tauranga Bird Club president Sheryl Baron.

“It will include a guided tour around the venue and about the birds.”

Sheryl says judging for the show takes place on Friday up until 3.30pm.

“The retirement village tour will take place from 3.30pm – 5pm on Friday, after judging has finished. You need to email us on: taurangabirdclub@gmail.com to book for this.”

Champion birds from the Tauranga Bird Club's 2023 show. Photo: Supplied.

More than 1400 birds are entered in this year’s national show, which is being hosted by the Tauranga Bird Club, and the first time it has been held in Tauranga since 1993.

The Topflite National Bird Show will be an opportunity to see more exotic birds in one place than many people have ever seen before – not just canaries and budgies, but gouldian finches, lovebirds and a range of large parrots, cockatiels and many others.

As well as birds travelling to Tauranga from all over the country, judges will be flown in from Dunedin and Christchurch, with an international budgerigar judge from Tasmania arriving in town to officiate.

Tauranga Bird Club Life Member Gwen Wilkinson feeding the birds at her Matua aviary. Photo: Bruce Barnard

Aside from the colourful display of 17 exotic avian species, there will be an extensive sales table featuring both birds and accessories. This is always a huge draw card for members of the public who flock to the show, as it is a way for bird lovers to get access to birds bred by top New Zealand breeders, usually at very good prices.

The second-hand accessories sale is a perfect way to stock up on supplies for the aviary, too. As the major sponsor, Topflite has a very large display and meet-and-greet area where they have giveaways and the chance to speak to the suppliers of New Zealand’s best quality seed.

“We also have an art exhibition on the walls of the venue this year, with bird art created by children from a local school,” says Sheryl. “This exhibition will certainly be a must-see.”

Tauranga veterinarian Martin Earles with one of his Gouldian finches. Photo: John Borren.

The show is also sponsored by the three local Animates stores, One Foundation, Pub Charities, and Four Winds Foundation.

The Topflite National Bird Show is open to the public at the stadium lounge at Mercury Baypark Arena on Saturday, July 27, from 9am – 5pm, and Sunday, July 28 from 9am – 12pm. Entry is $5 adult, $3 child, preschoolers free, family $12.

The special tour for residents of retirement villages and elderly care facilities requires booking first by emailing Taurangabirdclub@gmail.com and will take place from 3.30pm – 5pm on Friday, July 26.