Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Dedicated to conservation & breeding of NZ wildlife, especially kiwi.
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A great place to connect with New Zealand's native wildife, especially kiwi ( kiwi are always on display in our Nocturnal Houses). We were the first Kiwi House in NZ to display & breed kiwi for release back back into the wild. Not-for-profit organisation at the heart of NZ conservation since 1971.Large collection of native birds, plus reptiles (Tuatara and geckos).

We're hiring!Wildlife Husbandry KeeperŌtorohanga Kiwi House is seeking an experienced Wildlife Husbandry Keeper to join ...
03/06/2026

We're hiring!

Wildlife Husbandry Keeper

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House is seeking an experienced Wildlife Husbandry Keeper to join our wildlife team.

This hands-on role involves caring for a diverse collection of native New Zealand wildlife, including kiwi, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Working within a small team, you will help deliver high standards of animal welfare, husbandry and habitat presentation.

Key Duties

Daily feeding, cleaning and animal care
Habitat and enclosure maintenance
Monitoring animal health and behaviour
Record keeping, including ZIMS
Following animal handling, biosecurity and H&S procedures
Supporting trainee keepers as required

About You

Minimum 2 years' experience in wildlife, zoo or captive animal care
Able to work independently and manage workloads efficiently
Strong observation skills and attention to detail
Reliable, practical and physically fit
Positive team contributor

Desirable

Experience with kiwi or native NZ wildlife
Kiwi handling accreditation/certification
Experience using ZIMS

Employment Details

Permanent full-time (40 hours/week)
Wednesday–Sunday roster
Early starts, weekends and public holidays required
Salary based on skills and experience
Permanent part-time (Friday–Sunday) may be considered for the right candidate

Requirements

Relevant qualification or equivalent practical experience
Ability to perform manual handling and outdoor work
Commitment to animal welfare and conservation
NZ residency, citizenship or valid work visa

What We Offer

Work closely with native wildlife every day
Opportunities to develop husbandry and conservation skills
Supportive team environment
Ongoing training and development

How to Apply
Email [email protected] to request the full Job Description and application questions.

Celebrate King’s Birthday Weekend with us from 29 May to 1 June.Kids go free with every paying adult for a limited time ...
26/05/2026

Celebrate King’s Birthday Weekend with us from 29 May to 1 June.

Kids go free with every paying adult for a limited time only.

Bring the family along for an unforgettable kiwi experience this long weekend. Book now and make the most of the holiday.

15/05/2026

When the water goes down the wrong pipe… even for a kiwi.

If you’re only just finding out this is how kiwi drink water, no, they don’t use their beak like one giant straw… we are just as disappointed as you are.

Kiwi drink by immersing their long beaks into water and tilting their heads back to swallow, much like other birds. However, kiwi can get most of their moisture from their diet, with foods such as earthworms containing up to 85% water.

But every now and then, even a kiwi needs a quick sip of water.

Unfortunately for this little guy, that technique isn’t always foolproof.

Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough.His storytelling has helped people see wildlife not just as animals but a...
07/05/2026

Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough.

His storytelling has helped people see wildlife not just as animals but as part of a living, connected world worth protecting.

For many future conservationists, their journey started sitting in front of a TV hearing:
“And here we see…”

A voice many of us will hear long into the future.

Hari huritau Sir David Attenborough. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe for inspiring generations to fall in love with te taiao and protect the incredible wildlife we share this world with.

Tēnā rawa atu koe mō tō mahi whakamīharo mō te ao tūroa.
Thank you deeply for your incredible work for the natural world.

06/05/2026

That escalated… and de-escalated

In the kiwi world, not every disagreement lasts long… some barely get started 😅

04/05/2026

Caught in 4K about to eat and immediately filed a complaint. 😭📸

Sir, this is a private dining experience.

No cameras were harmed… just mildly judged.

21/04/2026

New Zealand isn’t as loud as it should be.

This Conservation Week, we’re reminded that what’s missing isn’t always obvious.

20/04/2026

Yesterday wasn’t peaceful.
It was missing something.

A healthy forest in Aotearoa should be full of birdsong.

This Conservation Week, we’re reflecting on what we could lose and what we can still protect.




19/04/2026

This is what silence sounds like.





“Got any snacks… or just checking you out?”This curious kākā was very interested in what was happening on the other side...
09/04/2026

“Got any snacks… or just checking you out?”

This curious kākā was very interested in what was happening on the other side of the camera and that curiosity is no surprise!

Kākā are highly intelligent native parrots, known for their playful nature and strong problem-solving skills. In the wild, they use their powerful beaks to tear into wood in search of insects, sap, and seeds.

Moments like this are a great reminder of just how unique and full of personality our native wildlife is.

Come and meet them for yourself… just don’t be surprised if they get a little up close!

Address

20 Alex Telfer Drive
Otorohanga
3900

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+6478737391

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