No stopping these pigeons
Loosening of Covid restrictions lets bird show take flight
The easing of Covid restrictions has put wind beneath the wings of a national bird event to be held in Levin later this year. Organisers can now plan with a bit more certainty an event that would see the best-bred pigeons and poultry in the country flock to Horowhenua Events Centre on July 1-3 for judging.
It will be the first time a national bird show has been held in Horowhenua and is expected to attract more than 2000 birds and their breeders.
The National Poultry and Pigeon Show is being organised by the Central Districts Pigeon and Poultry Club, who can now go full steam ahead planning for the show now larger gatherings are permitted.
The club was due to host the event in 2020, but was forced to cancel due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Vice-president and media liaison officer Sofianna Kuiti said hosting the national event was a real coup for the club and bird breeding in the region.
The local club held meetings about once every four to six weeks, where members got together and birds were bought, sold, and traded, and nonmembers had an opportunity to be involved.
“It’s for backyard enthusiasts, and we have really experienced people there who are great with advice,” she said.
Kuiti said breeding birds was a wholesome hobby and a great way for families to bond. She bred Rouen ducks herself, and said people bred birds for a variety of reasons.
“They are great as pets, great companions,” she said.
It was through joining the club that she was lent a male bird to visit her females and was able to grow her own flock.
She said it blew her away how many different breeds of birds there were and how many people were involved.
The club holds meetings where birds are available to purchase.
At its most recent meeting it held a silent auction of three rare double silver laced barnevelders, which sold for double their reserve.
The club will provide a talk on the beginner’s guide to showing birds at its next meeting on April 24.
The national show will see people arrive with their birds for viewing on the Friday. The club has planned a bus trip o of the National Show where visitors would be given a tour of some of the region’s features, like Ōhau Wines.
Judges for the national show: Hard Feather Fowl: Ian Selby (Waitara). Indian and Mods: Ken Bellamy (Ruawai). Heavy Breeds: (Kathleen Bayliss (Huntly) George Tod (Hamilton). Light Breeds: (Sue Cameron (Martinborough), Andrew Giltrap (Hamilton). Waterfowl: Clint O’Brien (Oamaru). Hard Feather Bantams: Chris Dale (Taupo). Soft Feather Bantams: Kaye Sangster (Mosgiel), Sharon McArthur (Carterton), Geoff Burton (Hastings). Group/In Show Poultry: Fiona Taylor (Hamilton), Trevor Hill (Oamaru). Fancy Pigeons: Alan Campbell (Shannon). Homing Pigeons: Wayne Southee (Ashhurst). Group/In Show Pigeons: Tony Taylor (Hamilton).