On Sunday 16th May 2010 Bellbirds, or Korimako, a rare native New Zealand bird species, were released in Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island. Waiheke Radio was there to record the event. The programme includes interviews with Park Ranger Andy Spence, Auckland Regional Council chairperson Mike Lee and volunteer John Smeed, a recording of the release of the birds and Mike Lee's speech detailing the extensive planning and preparation that has gone into this historic occasion. (Player may take a moment to load)

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The latest from Mike Lee on the bellbirds is that one out of 200 bellbirds had a bit of a bug but all are well now. There will be 100 bellbirds released on Waiheke this coming Sunday, 16th May - 50 at Whakanewha and 50 at Fenwick Reserve. The Whakanewha release is a public event at 11am on the Nikau Track. The release will be well signposted from both Whakanewha carparks.

The planned release of bellbirds on Waiheke on Sunday 9th May has been postponed. The birds, along with those to be released on Motutapu and Tiritiri Matangi,  are being treated for a pathogen and will be kept in captivity until they have regained strength. Waiheke Radio spoke to ARC chairperson Mike Lee, who has worked towards this release for many years. He said the birds weren't in danger and added that the weather forecast for the week ahead was not favourable so a delay may be for the best. Mr Lee hoped that the release would now take place the following weekend.

Waiheke Radio and The Waiheke Community Cinema present "It Might Get Loud". The movie tells the personal stories, in their own words, of three generations of electric guitar virtuosos The Edge (U2), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and Jack White (The White Stripes). It reveals how each developed his unique sound and style of playing favorite instruments, guitars both found and invented.

Friday 7 May - 8pm Waiheke Community Cinema. Tickets are $15 Book by phoning the cinema on 372 4240 - includes supper and a special live musical performance before the show.