The best explanation for the existence of the Foundation comes from the content of this letter received from Sophie. It is reprinted in full with the permission of her parents. Sophie lives in Southland and clearly many of the big corporate head offices with sponsorship funds are based in other parts of New Zealand. By writing to the Foundation Sophie highlights the challenge of being able to source funds so that our children today can be the endangered species protectors of tomorrow.

Dear Jane Arnott

Hello. My name is Sophie and I am 10 years old. I love the Takahe and I was lucky enough to work at the Burwood Bush Takahe Rearing Unit in Te Anau. In ten years time I hope to work with the Takahe and help rear them. To make sure that the Takahe are still alive in ten years time they will need your help.

The Takahe need more space to introduce new blood lines into their breeding population. This means new building will need to be built this winter, before the next breeding season. Ross will do the building; the problem is finding the money to buy the building materials.

I hope this is where the Dawn Chorus Fund can help the Takahe. Could you please think about granting some money to help one of the world's rarest birds?

If you can provide this money, Lots of people will be very, very grateful.

Yours faithfully

Sophie