Real Journeys ‘Birds of a Feather’ Charity Ball Raises Over $35,000 for Kakapo Recovery
With one of the world’s most endangered birds flown from Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) to be a mystery guest, the ‘Birds
of a Feather’ charity ball organised by Real Journeys, was clearly never going to be your ordinary ball or your ordinary
fundraiser.
Real Journeys worked with the Department of Conservation over the last few months and had hoped to raise around $20,000
for Kākāpō Recovery; the sold-out event raised over $35,000 on Saturday night.
Conservation Services Manager, Deidre Vercoe says Kākāpō Recovery is thrilled with the outcome, “the support shown by
Real Journeys and the people who attended the ball is humbling.”
Held at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant at Walter Peak, the 138 guests dressed in ‘black tie and feathers’ arrived
from Queenstown by historic steamship TSS Earnslaw and were treated to a close up encounter with Ruapuke, a rare
eighteen-month-old Kākāpō.
“It was the ultimate way to raise awareness and funds for this extraordinary bird and clearly by having Ruapuke present
at the event made it more memorable and successful – in every way,” says Richard Lauder, Chief Executive, Real Journeys.
Renowned ‘Bug Man’ and passionate conservationist, Ruud Kleinpaste, was the MC for the evening with guests dining on a
three course menu that was specially created by Executive Chef, Justin Koen and included such delicacies as; fresh
oysters with horseradish crème fraiche and lemon jelly; and suckling pig with black pudding, burned onion and
caramelised pear.
A six metre glass enclosure was set up in a separate room away from the music of the live band. Guests were brought in
small groups for a viewing of Ruapuke with Department of Conservation staff.
Several remarkable experiences were auctioned including flying back to Whenua Hou Nature Reserve with Ruapuke, a week on
the island doing volunteer work with DOC and a multi-day Landsborough Wilderness Experience that includes rafting and
camping. Additional funds were raised during a silent auction.
Ms Vercoe says the funds will be put towards the anticipated bumper breeding season next summer. “If the spring is kind
to us, it’s possible up to 30 chicks may hatch, adding to the current total population of 125 kakapo.”
The evening ended with dancing to Queenstown band LA Social and a return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw. Real Journeys Chief
Executive Richard Lauder says the ball was such a success that another ball will be held next year.
ENDS