AIMS AND GOALS OF THE FANTAIL TRUST 

 
​The Vision:
To establish a native bird and plant sanctuary on the true left side of the Rakaia river to encourage repopulation and protection of native birds, animals and plants. 

The Goal:
To have the Rakaia Gorge or the area defined in the trust deed virtually predator free by 2050. To increase the birdlife year. To enable the native forest to recover and thrive. To protect - native animals. To monitor all fauna and flora living in the gorge. To research their habitat and properties. To investigate their culinary, medicinal and environmental function and in particular their importance in Maori traditons. 

 

Fantail/Piwakawaka 

The Fantail is a very well known bird in
​New Zealand due to its distinctive fanned tail and its curiosity and fearless approach to humans. 

Bellbird/Makomako

 Bellbirds are quite common throughout New Zealand and easily recognized by their beautiful song. They love eating nectar of flax flowers. 

Pigeon/Kereru

The Kereru is commonly seen in native forest, rural habitats and even cities. It can appear very clumsy sometimes. It likes eating supplejack leaves and getting drunk on them.  

 We have chosen the Fantail as our representative of the New Zealand fauna and flora because it is such a delightful little bird. It is playful and joyful ambassador for all native species. And while it is widespread throughout New Zealand and not threatened it will nevertheless profit much from the removal of predators such as possums and stoats. They will then thrive and delight so much more. 
 

Our birds are fast disappearing. 
​We are changing that


Photographer: Lars Petersson 

Discover

A quote by David Attenborough:
​"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”

Conserve

​Nature is indeed a creation of great beauty and a source of inspiration and comfort. But it is in need of help as so much of it is fast disappearing for ever. We all have a duty to look after the natural world in all its parts, from the lowest worm to the loftiest falcon.  

Change

   It is up to us to provide the assistance the natural world undoubtedly needs. It means change in the way we do things, it means more care and concern for all things living. It will require a great effort and even sacrifice. Lets start today!