A major campaign to raise funds to support the saving of kiwi around the country is underway.

The “Kiwis saving kiwi” campaign is an initiative by Bank of New Zealand, aimed at raising awareness of the survival challenges facing kiwi and encouraging donations to support the on-going work of Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery.

“With just 5% of kiwi surviving to adulthood and a population that continues to decline, we are facing the prospect of a New Zealand without some species of kiwi in the next 15 years,” says Bank of New Zealand’s General Manager Business Development, Andrew Whitechurch.

“The Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust, a partnership between Bank of New Zealand and the Department of Conservation, works together with local communities to fund kiwi conservation and education projects.  However without the continued support of New Zealanders this work would not be possible, and we hope that people will get behind the campaign to ensure the future of this very special New Zealand icon.” 

A recently launched website www.kiwirecovery.org.nz promotes ways that the public can assist, and the site has a whole range of fun and educational activities for children during the school holiday period.

The campaign is also supported by television advertisements that promote the idea of “Kiwis saving kiwi.” As well as an 0900 number - 0900 SAVE KIWI - donations can be made at any branch of Bank of New Zealand.

Special Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery debit cards and cheque books featuring a chick hatched as part of Bank of New Zealand’s Operation Nest Egg programme have also been produced.  Bank of New Zealand customers who opt for the kiwi debit card will be making a $10 donation to Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust each year, while if they opt for a kiwi cheque book they will be donating $4 for each cheque book issued.