‘Birds New Zealand’ – a new brand name for The Ornithological Society of New Zealand
At its 2013 annual conference in Dunedin the Ornithological Society of New Zealand unanimously adopted a new brand name
of Birds New Zealand. The change has been made in the hope that it will improve the awareness, understanding and
relevancy of the society to the general public.
Explaining that the brand name change is a part of a revised wider strategy for the society, David Lawrie, President of
Birds New Zealand, said “This change is being made to enable the society to present its role more clearly to members and
to the wider community with the hope that it will become better known and will to help the society better meet its
aims”.
“The two primary aims of Birds New Zealand will continue to be to encourage, organise and promote the study of birds and
their habitat use particularly within the New Zealand and South Pacific region, and to foster and support the wider
knowledge and enjoyment of birds generally”, said Mr. Lawrie.
“We are increasingly aware of the role of birds in the wider environment in which we all live”, said Mr. Lawrie, “and of
a pressing need for continuing research on their biology and ecology that can contribute towards better conservation,
especially of vulnerable bird species, and will enable us all gain a better appreciation of their importance in the
world.” Birds New Zealand is committed to the study of birds and their habitat use within New Zealand through
encouraging members to undertake research and organising various projects.
“The brand name change only relates to the society’s more popular activities and particularly those where we are
interacting with the public”, said David Lawrie, adding that “Birds New Zealand will be the new name for our journal
Southern Bird from early 2014. The society’s website, brochures, notices and posters are being changed also to reflect
our new branding. Notornis will continue to be the name of the scientific journal of the Ornithological Society of New
Zealand – that name or logo will not change”.
The Society was formed nearly 75 years ago and has more than 1,100 members in New Zealand and overseas. For enquiries
contact eo@osnz.org.nz. The “New Zealand Bird Conference 2014” will be held in Palmerston North over Queens Birthday weekend, 31 May to 2
June. Registrations can be made online: www.osnz.org.nz
ENDS