NZ National Parks and Conservation Foundation

Projects

Our decision to throw our Foundation weight behind the Stitchbird (hihi)  came because we had a call from DOC highlighting how desperate they were to bring it back from the brink. This curious and delightful little bird just  does not seem able to breed in captivity nor does it cope well in natural  environments. Frequently the Stitchbird succumbs to mites and despite its  dynamic sex life (it is the only bird that can mate face to face and may  have one or several partners making parentage very difficult to ascertain)  breeding appears problematic.

In taking on a species specific fundraising project the Foundation aimed to increase awareness of one species aside from the enormity of the needs of the conservation estate.

The 'Stitch in Time Saves Nine' slogan was selected as it clearly indicated what needed to happen - funds now will save double or triple that amount later ...the implication being that if funds aren't raised it will be too late.

The Stitch in Time Saves Nine brochure told the story well and $17,000 was raised to augment DOC research.

Saving the Stitchbird - A Stitch in Time saves Nine