AUCKLAND, Today: Aotearoa’s southern New Zealand dotterel – or pukunui – is getting a much-needed boost thanks to RealNZ, the South Island tourism operator known for backing conservation efforts where it counts.
These rare birds only breed on Rakiura Stewart Island. With fewer than 30 breeding pairs left, and just over 100 pukunui remaining overall, they’re hanging on by a thread.
Until the end of September, RealNZ will donate 1% of all online bookings to help the Department of Conservation protect what’s left of the pukunui’s habitat.
RealNZ CEO Dave Beeche reckons this 1% effort could bring in tens of thousands over the next few months. “It’s a true privilege to be able to support the future of the pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel by donating 1% of all our online bookings until the end of September.
“Our purpose is to help the world fall in love with conservation, and this project is the next step in that commitment for RealNZ. This is about looking after our country’s smallest locals, in our backyard – protecting the heart of where we operate in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
That’s not all. The pukunui will also be the cause supported by this year’s RealNZ Conservation Ball – which has already raised over $664,000 for local projects.
“To give pukunui the best chance at having a more successful breeding season, we need to take urgent action and reduce predators. If we don’t, we risk losing this precious species forever.” – Penny Nelson
Previous Ball funds helped move takahē to Rees Valley and kākāriki karaka to Pukenui / Anchor Island. Now, it’s the pukunui’s turn in the spotlight. RealNZ is doubling down too – their marketing team is officially running the pukunui’s Bird of the Year campaign. Yes, it’s back. Yes, it’s competitive.
The Department of Conservation’s Director-General Penny Nelson says the species is in serious trouble. “To give pukunui the best chance at having a more successful breeding season, we need to take urgent action and reduce predators. If we don’t, we risk losing this precious species forever.
“RealNZ’s commitment to supporting the pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel is a powerful example of how businesses can mobilise for nature. RealNZ and its customers are directly contributing to the survival of one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds, and along with the New Zealand Nature Fund are helping to protect and restore our precious biodiversity.”
- To learn more about RealNZ’s conservation efforts, head over to realnz.com
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