About
Learn about Blake Twigden and the history of WBG.
About Blake
Blake Twigden was born in Auckland, New Zaland in 1945. From the age of seven he has reflected his love for nature through paintings.
Blake’s first exhibition was in Sydney, Australia in 1971, the theme being conservation and anti-pollution. Ensuing exhibitions developed a more positive imagery with Birds of Paradise and Hummingbirds etc, educating the viewer to appreciate and care for our wildlife.
He travelled extensively all over the world concentrating on painting the world’s most beautiful birds, fishes and plants.
After 22 years based in Sydney, Twigden returned to Auckland where he has enjoyed rediscovering his homeland and his natural heritage through founding his own Bird Garden.
Our History
In 1988, Whitford Bird Garden was founded by world-renowned bird artist Blake Twigden. In 2008, it was awarded an Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality in the 2008 Westpac Manukau Business Awards In 2013, Whitford Bird Garden was recognized by New Zealand’s Official Guide Auckland A-Z, as one of two of the country’s best private bird gardens.
In 2013, Wayne Huang bought Whitford Bird Garden and is the current owner. Wayne is dedicated to keeping Blake’s vision and legacy alive. He has added miniature horses and alpacas as attractions. The bird garden has a relaxing rural setting which fits with Blake Twigden’s vision of consistently caring for the environment.
In 2020, Wayne created the Blake Twigden Learning Centre, which provides a location for community workshops and education on our birds, trees, and conservation. A small exhibition of Blake Twigden’s artwork is on display at the learning center. Future art exhibitions at local galleries are planned.
There are three experiences offered by the Whitford Bird Garden:
i) Blake Twigden’s paintings (copies) and his vision in a short video
ii) Extracurricular learning and activity centre
iii) Country venue, cultural and tourism destination
Whitford Bird Garden’s uniqueness offers an experience suitable for all ages based on four unique characteristics:
1. Interaction with exotic birds
2. Appreciation of the fine art from a world-renowned local artist
3. Learning experiences
4. A venue offering tailor made experiences for leisure, corporate, and group markets.
Wayne Huang
ShareBoating, a subsidiary of Institute of Commercial Education of New Zealand also founded by Wayne who graduated with MCom Honours from the University of Auckland. In 2019 he became the first Asian Rear Commodore Power at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club (BBYC), the second largest club in New Zealand. In December 2020 Wayne was appointed the Cultural Ambassador for the NZ Sailing Trust which operates the legendary round the world yachts Steinlager II and Lion New Zealand. Wayne was also working as a team member for the 36th America’s Cup Race Village in 2021. Yachting NZ awarded Wayne one of the winners of a Service Award in their 2021 Excellence Awards.
Wayne was the first of Asian descent to serve two terms as Chairman of the Botany Community Board, Manukau City Council and the inaugural term of the Howick Local Board, Auckland Council. He was also a business advisor to ATEED. He was elected as the first Asian member of the Board of Trustees at Sunnyhills Primary School, Auckland. Wayne served as Vice Chair of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce New Zealand for 16 years. He is also the first President of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou Alumni Association in New Zealand and an inaugural member of the Advisory Board. Wayne has built up an extensive network of business relationships between China and New Zealand and is well known for his significant contribution to investment, education and business sectors in New Zealand. Eliminating ethnic barriers and facilitating integration is a motivation for Wayne to continue his work for the wider community as a whole.
Contact Us
Contact Detail
100 Trig Rd, Howick, Auckland New Zealand 2571
(09) 530 8807