A new Kiwi trust was launched in Auckland today by the Prime Minister Helen Clark. At a launch function at Auckland Zoo, Helen Clark described the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust as a productive partnership between the Bank of New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.

The Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust builds on activities previously undertaken under the banner of the Kiwi Recovery Programme which was a partnership established in 1991 between the Bank of New Zealand, Department of Conservation and Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.

Helen Clark congratulated the Department of Conservation and the Bank of New Zealand on their efforts to conserve and foster the kiwi.

"In 1999, the department re-examined the plight of the kiwi. Thanks to the work undertaken by the Kiwi Recovery Programme we had a good idea of the threats to kiwi survival and how they might be overcome.

"As a result we committed $10 million to kiwi conservation over a 5 year period through the establishment of five kiwi sanctuaries."

"The top performing sanctuary is on the Coromandel Peninsula where sixty percent of kiwi chicks survived to a size where they are able to defend themselves against stoats. This is 55 percent higher than without management and 35 percent above the minimum level required if kiwi are to increase. It is a very encouraging result at this early stage.

"The Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust will help extend kiwi conservation work beyond the sanctuaries by working with communities, conservation groups and iwi who were determined to see kiwi thrive in their local area," Helen Clark said.

Bank of New Zealand Managing Director Peter Thodey said at the launch, "Bank of New Zealand is delighted to reaffirm its commitment and remain a pivotal part of kiwi recovery in New Zealand. We have relationships with hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, and it is a natural fit for us to encourage and support efforts of Government and the community to have kiwi thriving across the country."

"Our partnership with Department of Conservation since 1991 has produced great results for kiwi, and we are privileged to be a part of such ground breaking and dedicated work."

Bank of New Zealand has contributed more than $4 million towards the former Kiwi Recovery Programme since 1991 funding research, monitoring and establishment of sanctuaries among other things. It has also provided marketing assistance, and promotion through its branches, ATM receipts and statements. Product linked promotions have been popular with staff and customers. Staff of Bank of New Zealand participate in the programme on a voluntary basis through the Staff Community Involvement Programme.

For more information contact

Jacqui Millar
Corporate Communications Manager
Bank of New Zealand
09 375 1254

Cushla Managh
Senior Media Officer
Department of Conservation
04 471 3117
0274 846 810