The Budgerigar Scene in New Zealand

New Zealand is a reasonably small country with two main Islands and a population of just over 3 million.

Due to that, the bird fancy is more integrated. We do not have the specialized budgerigar clubs like other countries, but instead have Cage Bird Clubs which have canary, budgerigar, hook beak, finch breeders all as members. Each club is affiliated to the NZ Federation of cage bird clubs, which is our ruling body. Each fancy then has a specialist society to look after their interest. e.g . Budgerigar Society, Yorkshire Society, Bengalese Society. Etc.. These societies are also affiliated to the Federation, but take on the responsibility of setting standards, issuing closed rings, judging, and generally running the hobby for that species.

The Budgerigar Society of New Zealand was formed in 1935 and we have, including partnerships, about 470 members. Rings are issued on the first August and we breed our birds from then till just after Christmas, when most fanciers stop as the weather gets too warm. In other words late winter, spring and early summer.

Show season is from the first weekend in May till the Grand National at the end of July. Again due to size the shows are Bird shows and caters for all sections of the hobby not just budgies. Shows will vary in size from 150 to 400 budgies with 500 -600 at the Grand National. We have two classes Novice and champion, with Champion being attained by gaining a point for winning classes of 5 or more or winning best Novice. 10 points and you are promoted to champion

Although small in numbers the standard of birds is quite good. 4 or 5 years ago we were a fair way behind on standard as we did not have any imported birds, as being an island nation with primary industry our mainstay it was illegal to import birds. In the mid eighties a few of our members started to travel overseas, and with books like Budgerigar World, we realized we were being left behind.

In 1988 we changed our standard to the English one, and this saw immediate improvement as the old standard went for the yellow feathered birds, and the buffier birds never got a look in, so everyone still tried to breed the finer birds. At the same time Alan Gamble was investigating ways of importing birds from Britain.

In 1990 we decided to do away with painted cage fronts on the show cages and phased in over a three year period chrome fronts and also changed the perches from the bossed short ones to a full length perch. This was another good move, no painting fronts between shows, and they look a lot smarter at the shows.

In 1993 as trial shipment of birds were brought in from Britain via Australia. This shipment gave the go ahead to bring a full shipment in. This was dependent on Australia and was set at 60 at first then it was increased to 100. When it was first floated in 1988, fanciers were asked to give a letter of interest. Those that did were given the opportunity to be involved and most did by becoming involved in syndicates bringing in several pairs. It took seven to eight months from the time the birds were bought till we received them in June. Most birds were paired up soon after and I am not sure if it was due to outcrossing or the birds we got were not as heavy buffed as the birds the breeders use in England, fertility is good. 4 years on most birds on the show benches are descendants of those imports. Most have kept the English lines pure and they are improving each year.

Next year sees new show classes being introduced, with some amalgamation of cock classes, and the hens even more so. I would say that what we lack in numbers, we certainly make up in enthusiasm and our hobby is going from strength to strength at the other side of the world.

Original text Copyright 1998, Keith Flockhart

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