The Native Bird Rescue Journey of Ian & Tomarcelle Miller

Tucked away in the quiet beauty of Matakana, a small sanctuary hums with the soft flutter of feathers, the chirps of hungry chicks, and the quiet determination of two people who have turned their love for birds into a life’s purpose.

For nearly a decade, Ian and Tomarcelle Miller have rescued birds of all kinds. But three years ago, their journey took flight in a new direction. With approval from the Department of Conservation, they committed themselves fully to the care, rescue, and rehabilitation of New Zealand’s native birds.

This is no hobby. It’s a calling.

Everything they do is voluntary. Driven by care, fuelled by compassion, and funded almost entirely from their own pockets.

In setting up Native Nest NZ, they invested just under $10,000 of their own money to build custom aviaries and purchase the specialised equipment needed to meet DOC’s standards for native bird rehabilitation. Since then, they’ve continued covering ongoing costs, particularly food, medication, and housing upgrades for each bird that passes through their care.

“We’ve been fine and comfortable funding it ourselves until now,” says Tomarcelle. “But we’ve become so busy that we simply can’t keep doing it out of our own pockets.”

And they are busy. Even during a quiet time of year, they're currently caring for nine birds, with three to four more arriving each week, many requiring weeks or months of intensive rehabilitation.

Some birds come from the wild, others are brought in via local vet clinics. The ones that reach Native Nest NZ have a fighting chance, and an incredible 95% of them are successfully rehabilitated and released. Sadly, not all birds make it that far; some are taken to vets with injuries so severe that the kindest option is euthanasia. But for the rest, Ian and Tomarcelle offer a true second chance.

“We do this because we love birds,” says Tomarcelle. “They deserve to go home.”

Whenever possible, each bird is released back to the area it came from. Many of Aotearoa’s native birds mate for life, making reunification with their partner and territory vital for long-term survival.

But as the number of rescues increases, so too do the costs and the need for better facilities. Right now, the birds in recovery are housed on tables in the garage. On colder days, they are brought inside, where Ian and Tomarcelle carefully tend to their needs until they’re ready for the outdoor aviaries.

Their dream is to create a dedicated bird hospital—a warm, lined shed or container that provides a calm and controlled environment for healing. A small dream, with a big impact.

“We don’t want anything for the hours we spend each day,” says Ian. “But we do need help with the basics—food, supplies, and a proper space to care for them.”

Food alone can cost up to $42 per day during peak seasons like spring.

Every donation goes directly to the care and recovery of New Zealand’s native birds.

Since launching their Facebook page, Ian and Tomarcelle have begun receiving more community support. To date, they've received $195 in generous donations from individuals, on top of the initial $180. And now, they’re deeply grateful for a $500 donation from the Warkworth Community Shop.

They also have donation boxes at:

• Warkworth Vets
• Farm & Lifestyle Centre Warkworth
• Shaggy Surf Wear
• Hunting & Fishing Warkworth

These early contributions mean the world—but the need continues to grow, and they’re now asking for broader support from people who care.

• Donate – Every little bit helps.
• Sponsor a bird – Support a bird’s recovery and release.
• Share this page – Help spread the word.
• Offer supplies or services – Get in touch via Facebook.

Follow and support their journey on Facebook: Native Nest NZ Facebook Page

Because every bird deserves a second chance.

And every love story deserves to fly.