About us

The seeds of Hūnua Bird Life were planted in 2016, when we helped soft release juvenile kererū for Auckland Bird Rescue (now Birdcare Aotearoa).

In 2019 we applied for DOC (Department of Conservation) Wildlife Act Authority so that we could rehabilitate native birds ourselves.

DOC visited our property in 2021, and approved our registration for a 10-year period.

In 2024 Hūnua Bird Life was incorporated under the Charitable Trust Act, making us an official charity!

Hūnua Bird Life is run by Marleen Verhoeven and her partner Willow van Heugten

“We are both avian enthusiasts, and have been involved with birds for most of our lives"

Pictured left-right: Willow, Lenny, Marleen and Melle

Marleen has developed her passion and expertise through the rescue of non-natives (pigeons, quails and chickens), and completed training for native bird rehabilitation through Birdcare Aotearoa and WRENNZ (Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand).

Willow is a contractor for Auckland Council, restoring kōkako habitat in the Hunua Ranges.

Their daughters Lenny and Melle are both conservationists and supporters of Hūnua Bird Life too. 

Hūnua Bird Life would like to acknowledge the following people:

Veterinarians Sam and Eckhard

Accountant Rachel

Mentors Jemma, Lynn, and Angela

Volunteers Emma, Jewels, Kim, Cristin, Harvey and Terry

The many kind people who have brought birds in, made donations, or supported our mahi in some other way

Thank you so much, we couldn't do what we do without your support!