Kiwi House Staff

Elaine Prescott – General Manager

After an amazing career (she's managed lion projects in Zimbabwe, marine conservation in Fiji, community development projects in Nepal and spent too many years as a Business and Project Manager for a global Investment Bank!) Elaine has returned to NZ to take charge of our iconic Otorohanga Kiwi House, although there's not a lion within range - just lots of great NZ birds and reptiles!

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: April 2013.

I SPECIALISE IN: Keeping everything under control! (Birds, budget and bodies)

MY PASSIONS: Wildlife, conservation and exploring the wonderful world we live in.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: Hard to pick one, but if I must - Keas! Coming from Canterbury, you just have to love the character of our crazy alpine parrots. There really is nothing else like them in the world!

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: Having the opportunity to share and educate people in various countries on the importance of conservation and preserving their natural environment and... getting the job at the Otorohanga Kiwi House – and I am sure there are many more rewarding moments to come.

Eric Fox – Conservation Officer

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: July 1986.

I SPECIALISE IN: Native fauna.

MY PASSIONS: Military history, bird watching and philately.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: Too many to name!

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: There have been a number over the years, but watching my first kiwi chick hatch (which was a Great Spotted Kiwi) and being the first to successfully hand-rear a Kokako chick called Freefall, these would have to be the most rewarding experiences.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: Simply because it is the best place to view Kiwi in a nocturnal house environment.

Dominique (Dom) Fortis – Bird & Reptile Keeper

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: Lost count, close to gold watch.

I SPECIALISE IN: All aspects of caring, breeding and feeding for the birds and reptiles held at the Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird park.

MY PASSIONS: Working with New Zealand's unique wildlife and the great outdoors.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: Not just one but all as each have different personalities, especially the Blue Duck, Falcon and Tuatara.

FUNNIEST MOMENT HERE AT THE PARK: Every day has a funny moment, just look at what I work with.

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: The opportunity to work and care for New Zealand's native species.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: You too should be immersed in New Zealand's weird and wonderful wildlife. Here we give you the chance to get up close and personal giving you some "lasting memories".

Sally Fox – Bird Keeper

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: 1986.

I SPECIALISE IN: Keeping the birds happy, well fed and cared for.

MY PASSIONS: Working with native birds, conservation, travel and opportunity.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: I love them all but I have a special affinity with the cheeky Kea and the jovial Kaka.

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: When our friendly Kokako Rua started to talk – first word "Hello", and then "How ya doin?", progressing to quite a vocabulary.

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: Training and being with the Keas – they are incredibly intelligent birds with personalities to match.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: We are passionate about sharing NZ’s unique native fauna and flora and giving visitors a relaxing, enjoyable and informative experience during their visit to the Park.

Kay – Visitor & Retail Manager

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: 2004.

I SPECIALISE IN: Making sure all visitors enjoy their experience at the Kiwi House and the shop is stocked with interesting and varied souvenirs.

MY PASSIONS: Not telling!

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: The Tuatara.

FUNNIEST MOMENT HERE AT THE PARK: Sitting outside buying stock for the shop from a souvenir company and a Weka bird took off with a cushion that I was looking at buying for the shop!

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: Being part of an enthusiastic team which means coming to work is a pleasure.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: It's the best place to see Kiwi, native birds and flora at reasonable prices.

Lou – Senior Shop Assistant & Guide

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: 1997 (the first 4 years as a student and now I'm a Senior).

I SPECIALISE IN: Guiding visitors through the nocturnal house and assuring that all visitors see a Kiwi and are happy when they leave.

MY PASSIONS: Animals and my baby.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: Penguins then Kiwi!

FUNNIEST MOMENT HERE AT THE PARK: Kay and I hate mice!! Well one got behind the counter! Kay and I were fighting over the seat to stand on while a lovely visitor got a box and caught it for us!

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: Feeding and handling the Kiwi.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: Best place in New Zealand to view Kiwi, very educational for young people and overseas visitors.

Sue – Caretaker/Groundsperson

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: 2008.

I SPECIALISE IN: Keeping the park clean and tidy.

MY PASSION: I'm passionate about animals and the role they play in our lives.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: I love all animals equally!

FUNNIEST MOMENT HERE AT THE PARK: Wading in the Eel pond, and looking down into the eyes of a large Eel that was looking back at me.

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: Being part of a fantastic working team of people and a learning moment at every turn.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: It's an opportunity to have a relaxed stroll through native trees and enjoy being able to see and hear our native wildlife.

Maureen – Senior Guide & Shop Assistant

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: 1998.

I SPECIALISE IN: Guiding in the Nocturnal House.

MY PASSION: The Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park, tramping and conservation.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: Has to be Kiwi.

FUNNIEST MOMENT HERE AT THE PARK: Oh I could not repeat that!

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: Feeding the Kiwi and finding a Kiwi egg in a burrow in the Nocturnal House.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: Lovely tranquil environment with great views of the birds and reptiles especially the Kiwi. In my opinion we have the best Kiwi House in New Zealand.

Katie – Junior Bird Keeper

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE: March 2013.

I SPECIALISE IN: Doing whatever Dom (Kiwi House Keeper) tells me and feeding the birds, of course.

MY PASSION: NZ animal welfare, wildlife conservation (both local and international), travel.

MY FAVOURITE NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL: I love Kaka (NZ forest parrots) as they have incredible personalities and are so much fun! I also have a soft spot for the kakariki (red-crowned parakeet) korimako (Bell bird) and eels.

MOST REWARDING WORK EXPERIENCE: So far, watching the Kiwi chicks grow bigger and stronger and the progress they are making every day.

WHY VISIT THE OTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK: It is a fantastic way to see native birds, plus you are helping to support the ongoing conservation of many of the species at the park, especially the kiwi.