Hello,
Despite being between seasons, we have been very busy as we review last season, prepare for the new one and do some fundraising, among a hundred other things!
First of all, a massive thank you to everyone who supported our match-funding campaign - we reached our target of $5,000, which was duly matched by the generous Supporters who had encouraged and enabled this initiative - thank you!
Secondly, I received some excellent news yesterday - a gap in the penguin protection fence was filled by the Westreef team with funding support from Waka Kotahi NZTA. Find a link to the news and photos below.
Avian influenza is increasingly in the news as a dangerous strain spreads around the world. We hope it won't reach our shores but we - and you - need to be prepared. If you read nothing else, please read that story and share with beach walking friends and family.
We have been incredibly fortunate to receive much needed new funding through grant applications and donations recently - read on for that news. The subtext is that we always need more and you, as one of our small and select group of Supporters, are so important and such a valuable key to all that we do. Your support enables us to put the work into seeking new funding and the all important behind the scenes work that doesn't fit grant funding. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
You may have read about penguins saved from a digger in Hokitika recently. Fortunately, we were alerted by the Hokitika Guardian's journalist and were able to jump into action, stopping further clearance of coastal vegetation. More on that lucky escape below.
And lots more news including penguin adventures in the Falkland Islands, conservation students taking action, the winner of the penguin prize pack at the Seaweek photo competition, joining a teacher hui with Enviroschools and others, upcycled blue penguin earrings ... and find out how to win a pair!
Finally, I was privileged to participate in a World Species Congress event for New Zealand hosted by Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo with excellent speakers. We are also privileged and honoured to be a conservation partner of the zoo, benefitting in many ways including a grant towards our tawaki conservation project. On behalf of the Trust, I signed a 'Reverse the Red Species Pledge', sharing a commitment to continue to work for the conservation of our two West Coast penguins. The main global event arranged by the IUCN was held a few days later, and Karen Fifield MNZM, Chief Executive of Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo and President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, explains the importance of the Congress here.
So, from small projects to world issues, and with your fabulous support, we continue to do all we can to protect threatened seabird species and support them to thrive in our region.
Inger Perkins, Trust Manager
(Lucy Waller, our Ranger, is overseas volunteering with wildlife trusts between penguin seasons)