Image: Michael Hayward | DOC
Whio swimming.
The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust
The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust partners closely with DOC to support recovery programmes for five endangered native bird species.

Every year, The Trust raises hundreds of birds in their aviary facilities for release into the wild. This significantly reduces the risk of extinction for these endangered native species - a nationally significant contribution to conservation.

Their work has helped to turn the fortunes of these species around and put them on the path of recovery. The Trust manages these endangered species:

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A conservation legacy lives on

The Trust continues the conservation legacy of Sir Neil and Lady Isaac (founders of Isaac Construction). From Peacock Springs, a purpose-built 85 ha restored quarry in Christchurch which provides expertise and resources for captive breeding and rearing facilities.

The Trust’s team has pioneered successful techniques such as whio ‘flock mating’ and refined methods for incubating and raising kākāriki karaka. Their expertise is invaluable and has made real contributions to captive breeding.

Boosting wild populations

Without the Trust’s work, kākāriki karaka would be extinct in the wild. Instead, there are several stable populations – including one at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson, where 120 birds raised by the Trust were released.

The Trust is also central to tūturuatu recovery, developing husbandry and breeding techniques that allow new populations to be established and recover from disaster.

Peacock Springs plays a vital role in raising kakī chicks, increasing capacity alongside DOC’s Twizel facility. Thanks to this work, people can still see kakī on the braided rivers of Te Manahuna / the Mackenzie Basin, and every captive-bred pāteke and South Island whio at Peacock Springs learns survival skills before release.

To find out more, visit the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust website.