After more than five decades of breeding budgerigars, Tony and Robyn Grinter have added another accolade to their collection of prizes.
The Welcome Bay couple’s striking opaline grey-green bird beat around 160 other entries to win the Best Budgerigar in Show at Tauranga Bird Club’s hugely successful annual show in June.
For Tony and Robyn, breeding budgerigars is far more than a hobby. Their dedication to the birds has seen them become respected breeders, exhibitors and judges on the national bird-show circuit.
“We’re always looking to breed birds that are closer to the standard,” Tony said. “You’re looking at shape, colour and overall quality. It’s a challenge, and that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable.”
The winning bird is 3 years old and stood out for its quality and presentation, impressing judges in a highly competitive field.
The Grinters are no strangers to the show bench. Over the years they have exhibited at bird shows throughout the North Island, from Northland to the Wairarapa, and have collected numerous awards along the way. Both Tony and Robyn are also qualified judges and regularly travel around the country supporting bird shows and fellow breeders.
While ribbons and trophies are rewarding, Tony said the friendships formed through the bird community are equally important.
“We’ve met a lot of friends through bird shows, not just in Tauranga but all around the country.”
The couple moved to Tauranga from Hamilton in 2020, joining the Tauranga Bird Club, which has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years after membership numbers once dipped.
“Tauranga is currently one of the strongest clubs. We’ve got a lot of members who simply enjoy birds, whether they exhibit or not.”
The club’s annual show reflected that growing enthusiasm.
Club president Sheryl Baron said organisers were overwhelmed by the public response, with around 1300 people attending over the weekend.
“We were absolutely slammed,” Baron said. “People were waiting in line to get in, and the feedback from visitors was incredible.”
Families flocked to the event to see hundreds of birds on display, while children enjoyed interactive attractions including opportunities to meet and handle tame birds.
Baron said visitors travelled from as far as Auckland and Hamilton to attend, with many commenting that it was one of the best bird shows they had experienced in years.
The successful event has also provided a boost for the club’s future, with nearly 30 new members signing up over the weekend, boosting the club membership to nearly 100.
“That’s probably the best outcome for me,” Baron said. “It’s wonderful to see people discovering the hobby and wanting to become involved.
“This year we invited people to join the club for free up until the 31st of August, because that’s the end of our financial year. They can see what we’re about, and if they like us, can join up for the new year starting on the first of September.”
For Tony and Robyn, there is little time to rest on their latest success. The pair will soon travel to Oamaru for the Budgerigar Society’s annual show and AGM, where they will once again join fellow enthusiasts from around the country.
And back home, the next generation of young birds is already being assessed and paired, as the couple continue their pursuit of breeding excellence.
With a national reputation, decades of experience and a passion that remains as strong as ever, Tony and Robyn Grinter are proving that dedication, patience and a love of birds can still produce championship results.