About Us

Welcome to Birds New Zealand, the popular name for The Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc. The Society was formally established at an inaugural general meeting on 24 May 1940 and incorporated in 1953.

On this page, you can find out all about the society and how we work. To find your local branch of Birds New Zealand and find out what’s going on in your area, visit Find Your Local Branch.

Birds New Zealand is committed to the study of birds and their habitat use within New Zealand through encouraging members and organising projects and schemes. Activities are organised at both the national and regional level, with 19 regions providing a local network for members to engage in bird studies. We promote the recording and wide circulation of the results of bird studies and observations through the production of a scientific journal and other publications promoting birds in New Zealand. Birds New Zealand seeks to assist the conservation and management of birds by providing information, from which sound management decisions can be derived.

Aims

Kiwi

Encourage, organise and promote the study of birds and their habitat use, particularly within the New Zealand region.

Thumbs_up

Foster and support the wider knowledge and enjoyment of birds generally.

Binoculars

Promote the recording and wide circulation of the results of bird studies and observations.

Journal

Produce a journal and other publications containing matters of ornithological interest.

Handshake

Effect co-operation and exchange of information with other organisations with similar aims and objectives.

Speech

Assist the conservation and management of birds by providing information from which sound management decisions can be derived.

Books

Maintain a library of ornithological literature for the use of members and to promote a wider knowledge of birds.

Governance

Constitution

The following three Motions were passed at the 2026 AGM in Wanaka:

Motion 1
Having regard to Section 17 of the Constitution – Regional Organisation and Management – concerning the election of Regional Representative and Regional Treasurers, and to clear up lingering confusion concerning the term of appointment and the election for these roles it is Moved that the proposed amendments to Section 17 of the Constitution be adopted. Details are available here

Motion 2
Having regard to the number of Fellows of the Society, and in respect of the recent increase in membership and the greater volume and diversity of ornithological research than it was 50 years ago, it is Moved that Clause 7.10.6 of the Constitution be amended to delete the word “six” in line six and replace it with “eight”. Details are available here

Motion 3
Following the discontinuation of the print edition of Notornis and the option to receive Birds New Zealand magazine online only, it is Moved that from the date of the 2026 Annual General Meeting subscriptions for members living overseas shall be charged at New Zealand rates for each of the Ordinary, Family, Student and Group membership classes. Details are available here

Birds New Zealand Strategic Plan 2026-2036

Please refer to the Society’s Manual page for more Policies and Guidelines.

Health & Safety Policy
Health & Safety – Guidelines for Field Trips
Hazards & Risks – Assessment and Reporting Form

Please refer to the Society’s Manual page for more Policies and Guidelines.

The Birds New Zealand Manual contains the Society’s guidelines and procedures. Manual Index

We are in the process of updating the files. More files will be uploaded soon.

Memorandum of Understanding – The Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand
Memorandum of Understanding – Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Memorandum of Understanding – Young Birders
Agreement – Access to Historic Bird Atlas Data – Landcare Research
Collaborative Research Agreement – Movement and Survival of South Island Pied Oystercatchers – DOC

Please refer to the Society’s Manual page for more Policies and Guidelines.

Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2025
Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2024
Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2023
Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2022
Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2021
Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2020
Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2019
Annual Report on behalf of Council for 2018

2026 AGM Minutes
2025 AGM Minutes
2024 AGM Minutes
2023 AGM Minutes
2022 AGM Minutes
2021 AGM Minutes
2020 No Conference held
2019 AGM Minutes