New Zealand Children Imagine a Future without Kiwi
Kiwis for kiwi launches month-long appeal to raise funds to reverse the impending extinction of our national bird and
treasured namesake.
During the month of October, Kiwis for kiwi is on a mission to to raise funds to protect kiwi with its annual campaign Save Kiwi Month 2014. Funds raised will
protect kiwi by actioning predator control in kiwi habitats, as well as supporting education and advocacy, research and
monitoring programmes and BNZ Operation Nest Egg.
Charity organisation Kiwis for kiwi is responsible for supporting the National Kiwi Recovery Programme, a collaboration of 80 volunteer-based groups,
numerous iwi-led projects, 14 captive facilities, five DOC kiwi sanctuaries and other organisations. The National Kiwi
Recovery Programme manages predator removal from over 140,000 hectares nationwide.
As part of this year’s appeal, Kiwis for kiwi asked New Zealand children what a future without kiwi would look like to them. The results are a wake-up call to all
New Zealanders who have the opportunity to do something today to reverse the decline of kiwi and ensure our national
bird does not disappear.
Currently, more than 95% of kiwi chicks born in areas without predator control are killed by predators before they reach
breeding age. However, when predators are controlled, 50 to 60% of kiwi chicks survive – more than enough for a
population to flourish. This couldn’t be achieved without donations that enable more than 10,000 hours per year in the
field by over 1,000 volunteers.
Without funds for further predator removal and habitat management, our national icon could disappear from the mainland
within our children's lifetimes.
This means the next generation of Kiwi kids may lose the bird that has inspired a national identity for New Zealanders.
Kiwis for kiwi executive director Michelle Impey appeals to the nation to help. "We are asking New Zealanders to do their bit to
ensure our kiwi flourish in the wild for generations to come. Where we are funding on-the-ground initiatives to manage
predators, kiwi populations are growing – but we need support to continue."
Just $100 is enough to save one kiwi by controlling predators across its habitat for an entire year; but each and every
donation is a positive step for the future of kiwi.
To donate, visit www.kiwisforkiwi.org
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