Bank gets behind NZ wildlife icon with sizable donation.

It will be easier than ever this summer for holiday-markers to dip into their pockets to support the yellow-eyed penguin.

Westpac has donated $14,500 to make 290 plastic donation boxes which will soon be installed at the reception desks of Holiday Parks Association of New Zealand holiday parks across the country.

All money deposited in the boxes will go to the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust to help in its ongoing efforts to restore the coastal habitat of the world’s most endangered penguin as well as instigating more scientific research into threats to its survival.

Given the $5 note features the hoiho on one of its sides Westpac will place a note in each box installed this Labour weekend to coincide with the start of the summer holiday season.

“Westpac is committed to New Zealand and share the belief that environmental and conservation issues need to be supported. Westpac is proud to support the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust to help raise funds to conserve and encourage growth of the yellow eyed penguin numbers” says Ian Hankins of Westpac NZ.

It is not the first time the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and the Holiday Parks Association of NZ has teamed up.

Since late last year a portion of the proceeds from sales of EcoWai bottled water at selected holiday camps has been donated to support the activities of the trust.

Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust general manager Sue Murray says the Westpac and EcoWai initiatives highlight the trust’s drive to forge greater partnerships with New Zealand companies eager to help preserve this most iconic of wildlife species.

“Securing funding continues to be a priority for the Trust, and we have our fingers crossed that this new initiative with Westpac and the holiday parks will be rewarding” she said.

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