Partner: Ngāi Tahu

The New Zealand Government, through DOC, acknowledges the association of Ngāi Tahu with kākāpō by consulting them when making policy decisions concerning the protection, management, or conservation of kākāpō.

National Partner: Meridian Energy

Meridian Energy became the National Partner with DOC in support of Kākāpō Recovery in 2016, following the biggest breeding season on record. In December 2022 it committed to a further three-year partnership working with DOC and Ngāi Tahu to ensure the survival of this iconic New Zealand bird.

"Meridian is committed to helping protect our natural environment and we are proud to be raising awareness of the plight of kākāpō. I saw first-hand the hard work of the dedicated team and had the privilege of getting up close to this amazing bird. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I hope that [one day] this can be a reality for other New Zealanders", Meridian CEO, Neal Barclay.

The partnership continues to contribute to the future growth of the kākāpō population by helping fund additional research and pioneering conservation techniques relating to genetics, disease management and identifying future sites. After a successful 2022 breeding season where 55 chicks fledged, the population increased to a high of 252 known birds.

With Meridian staff being key advocates, the partnership helps to raise awareness of kākāpō and their story.

Media release 9 August 2022: Bumper breeding season boosts Kākāpō population

Official supporters

Global Wildlife Conservation

Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) envisions a thriving Earth where all life flourishes. GWC conserves the diversity of life on Earth by preserving wildlands, restoring wildlife and engaging with global guardians. Driven by science, GWC maximizes its impact through conservation solutions in research and exploration, land purchase and protected area establishment, protected area management, poaching prevention and capacity building.

“Kākāpō are the only flightless parrot species, amazing birds that would have gone extinct if it wasn’t for Kākāpō Recovery,” said Wes Sechrest, Chief Scientist and CEO for Global Wildlife Conservation. “GWC is proud to support these critical efforts to bring the kākāpō back from the brink, preserving not only the bird’s natural history and role in the ecosystem, but the beauty it contributes to our wild world.”

Quadrant2Design

Quadrant2Design create exhibition stands and experiential displays, throughout Europe and worldwide, using their Swiss-designed Prestige Events System.

They supply Kākāpō Recovery with several modular stands that help us with our advocacy and educational projects, and they promote Kākāpō Recovery to their contacts in the United Kingdom.

Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund

The Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund (AZCF) was established by Auckland Zoo staff in 2000 to support conservation efforts in the wild in New Zealand and overseas. The fund proudly supports the Kākāpō Recovery work carried out on Hauturu-O-Toi/Little Barrier Island. Zoo staff also assist Kākāpō Recovery with aspects of the programme, such as hand rearing of chicks, vet services, monitoring and health checks on the islands.

Donors and volunteers

People from New Zealand and all over the world have donated and volunteered to help Kākāpō Recovery.