Topp Twins lend a hand in the fight to save kiwi

Acclaimed entertainers Jools and Lynda Topp have lent their support to New Zealand’s most endangered kiwi species, with fundraising at their upcoming Blenheim concert set to benefit the BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust.

The Topp Twins’ Summer Hoe-Down Tour will be a unique celebration of Kiwi country & bluegrass music – our legends and the next generation of stars performing together to create magical entertainment at its finest.

Acclaimed entertainers Jools and Lynda Topp have lent their support to New Zealand’s most endangered kiwi species, with fundraising at their upcoming Blenheim concert set to benefit the BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust.

The Topp Twins’ Summer Hoe-Down Tour will be a unique celebration of Kiwi country & bluegrass music – our legends and the next generation of stars performing together to create magical entertainment at its finest.

During the concert in Blenheim on 11^th January, the Topp Twins will be highlighting the plight of rowi kiwi. They will also be encouraging concertgoers to make a donation to the BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust, who have been a key player in the species’ recovery.

“We’re thrilled to have the support of the twins to help bring rowi to the attention of such a broad audience,” says Jim Livingstone, DOC’s Rowi Project Manager. “Rowi have been on the brink of extinction, with only one natural population remaining – in Okarito on the West Coast – so they need all the help we can give them.”

Stoats are the rowi’s number one enemy as they eat their eggs and chicks, but habitat loss, roads, possums, rats and dogs have also been contributing factors in the population decline.

However, DOC, with the support of the BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust, is gradually turning rowi fortunes around using BNZ Operation Nest Egg. This involves moving eggs and chicks to predator-free locations where they can grow large enough to defend themselves before being returned to the wild.

 “With community involvement we can achieve a whole lot more for rowi,” says Michelle Impey, Executive Director of the BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust. “In order for them to survive and increase their numbers over the long-term, they need New Zealander’s support and protection and we hope that the people of Blenheim will join the Topp Twin’s and lend a hand.”

 Everyone can play a role in saving kiwi, whether you live near kiwi populations or not by:

• Avoid taking dogs into kiwi areas and never take them into bush areas that are known to have kiwi populations, not even on a leash.
•  Not dumping unwanted cats or ferrets in the wild.
• Keep your speed down and watch out for kiwi on the roads after dark when travelling near a kiwi sanctuary. 
• Making a donation to BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust at any Bank of New Zealand store or ATM or online with credit card at www.savethekiwi.co.nz
• Volunteer your time at a local kiwi protection group or habitat restoration project
• If you are a BNZ customer, you can choose a Save the Kiwi EFTPOS card or cheque book, which provides an annual donation to the BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust.

However the best thing you can do is…

Get involved in local kiwi conservation projects or start one yourself!

By taking an interest in kiwi species that may live near you, New Zealander’s can also make a big difference to kiwi conservation. This will have the knock-on effect of helping other native species. Find out how by visiting the www.savethekiwi.co.nz  

ENDS

For filming or photo opportunities, for interview opportunities or for further information please contact:

DOC media liaison: Lizzy Sutcliffe, (03) 371 3742 / 02102912761 or Cornelia Vervoorn (03) 752 0084 Topp Twins media liaison: Arani Cuthburt, 0274 586 780