FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7 AUGUST 2007

Environment Bay of Plenty Announces Funding for Kiwi Programme

Environment Bay of Plenty’s Environmental Enhancement Fund has confirmed a $50,000 grant to help Kiwi in the Bay of Plenty. The National Kiwi Trust has received the grant, which will be used at Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua.

The National Kiwi Trust was established in April 2006 as a means to obtain funding to provide sustainability and growth to the development of the Save the Kiwi Program administered by the Department of Conservation. The National Kiwi Trust is based at Kiwi Encounter @ Rainbow Springs in Rotorua and hatches and raises more than 100 kiwi each season before they are released back into the wild.

The Environmental Enhancement Fund was set up by Environment Bay of Plenty to support community based environmental projects in the region which improve the environment, raise environmental awareness and use the skills of the community.

Environment Bay of Plenty recognises the importance of the National Kiwi Trust’s work to support community Kiwi conservation efforts in the Bay of Plenty and has recently approved the $50,000 grant. By helping with funding for animal husbandry costs, Environment Bay of Plenty is contributing to the successful release of up to 30 Kiwi into Bay of Plenty reserves and supporting the efforts of local community groups protecting Kiwi in these reserves. The National Kiwi Trust’s relationship with Kiwi Encounter and the partnership with Environment Bay of Plenty will present significant opportunities to raise awareness and educate the general public about Kiwi in the region.

“Despite its status as our treasured icon it is an endangered species. The kiwi population halves about every 10 years and without human intervention the survival rate of young kiwi in the wild is only 5%,” explains Kiwi Husbandry Manager, Claire Travers. With good research, ongoing trapping programmes and the use of the Operation Nest Egg Save the Kiwi programme this figure can change to 60-70%. This will ultimately lead to a slow down in the decline of kiwi numbers in the wild.

“Supporting the National Kiwi Trust through the Environmental Enhancement Fund will directly increase the number of Kiwi being released back into the Bay of Plenty. It’s great to be able to support community groups who are working to protect Kiwi in our region.” says Cr Bill Cleghorn, Chair of the EEF Subcommittee.

The National Kiwi Trust is sponsored by Intercity Group, More FM and Environment Bay of Plenty and many other organisations interested in saving New Zealand’s national icon.

ENDS

www.kiwiencounter.co.nz