Christmas comes early for kākāpō
22 December 2010
Christmas has come early for kākāpō this year as the Animal Health Board (AHB) has funded the purchase of a generator to
be used during the breeding season on Anchor Island.
The generator will be essential to the success of the first kākāpō breeding season on Anchor Island as it will power the
incubation and hand rearing facility.
Department of Conservation acting Programme Manager Kākāpō Ron Moorhouse said the generous donation is a fantastic
contribution to Kākāpō Recovery.
“It is vital that we have a generator on Anchor and this donation has allowed us to purchase one,” Mr Moorhouse said.
“This is the first breeding season on Anchor Island and will be the first time in living memory of having kākāpō breed
in Fiordland so it’s a really exciting time.”
The AHB raised the funds for the generator at its annual staff charity auction this month and Chief Executive William
McCook said it is a privilege to support the Kākāpō Recovery programme as it works to bring the species back from the
brink of extinction.
“Our annual staff charity auction is a popular fundraiser and this year we topped $5,000 for the first time,” Mr McCook
said.
“The amount raised this year speaks volumes for our employees’ strong conservation values and delight at being
associated with the Kākāpō Recovery programme.”
Mr McCook said the donation to Kākāpō Recovery was an excellent fit as the AHB’s bovine tuberculosis pest control work
generates complementary biodiversity benefits for native flora and fauna in New Zealand.
NZAS General Manager Ryan Cavanagh said the Kākāpō Recovery partnership is very grateful and delighted to see another
organisation take an interest in this important conservation programme.
ENDS