But in the Bay of Islands town of Russell, a shortage of pokie machines is threatening the long-running two-day winter event, Russell Birdman. BAYLEY MOOR/STUFF Last year's Russell Birdman attracted plenty of great entries but keeping the event going will be a balancing act. Children's boat races are all part of the fun at the Russell Birdman. That left a scant number of volunteers scrambling to find funding for this year's Russell Birdman, Sigley said. That sinking feeling: Gary Hoosen as Captain Jack Sparrow gets a taste of the cold water in the 2011 Russell Birdman.

Source: Stuff May 20, 2019 21:33 UTC