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Endangered birds to benefit from "Birds of a Feather" Charity Ball

Date: 1 July 2016

Media release

A night of revelry, fine dining and dancing at Walter Peak is set to raise funds to help endangered birds in one of the most remote areas of mainland New Zealand.

Real Journeys second Birds of a Feather Charity Ball on Saturday 13 August, will raise funds for the Department of Conservation’s Tamatea/Dusky Sound Restoration Project. 

This ambitious project aims to turn Dusky Sound in Fiordland into one of the most intact ecosystems on Earth and New Zealand’s largest ‘bio bank’; a source of endangered native species for the whole of the country.   

Mohua release - Resolution Island.  Image: Graham Dainty

Mohua release - Resolution Island. Image: Graham Dainty

This ambitious project aims to turn Dusky Sound in Fiordland into one of the most intact ecosystems on Earth and New Zealand’s largest ‘bio bank’; a source of endangered native species for the whole of the country.   

As part of the project, a selection of renowned Kiwi artists were given the opportunity to visit and interpret the area in their work.  Guests will be given an exclusive preview of some of the art that will become part of a national exhibition.

Last year’s Bird’s of a Feather Ball was a sell-out and raised over $35,000 for Kakapo Recovery.  It featured ‘mystery guest’,  Ruapuke, a rare eighteen-month-old kakapo.

“Last year, we had a fantastic night and were able to make a significant contribution to Kakapo Recovery.  This year Real Journeys is covering all the costs so our ball should raise even more.  We’ve also made a few changes based on feedback; there will be much less talking – and more dancing!  We’re pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember”, says Richard Lauder, Real Journeys Chief Executive.    

This year, guests will enjoy a drink and canapes on the TSS Earnslaw before sitting down to a specially designed gourmet dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant at Walter Peak.  Dancing will be to the Nairobi Trio from Auckland- one of New Zealand’s favourite jazz bands that also plays rock and dance music.  Tickets to this black tie event are $245 per person.

“Dusky Sound is unique, both for its historic significance and conservation values.

Already home to a wide range of endangered species, including kakapo, mohua and tieke/saddleback, DOC’s vision is to eradicate pests from all Dusky’s islands.

Achieving this will enable native species to flourish, creating a bio bank that will benefit the whole of New Zealand,” says Greg Lind, DOC Operations Manager Te Anau.

100% of all proceeds of the ticket price will go towards the Tamatea/Dusky Sound Restoration Project.

To make a booking for the event, phone 0800 656501 or book online www.realjourneys.co.nz/birdsofafeather 

View the Real Journeys Conservation webpage.

View DOC's Restoration Project page.


For further information contact:

Tsehai Tiffin - Real Journeys Corporate Communications Manager
Mobile: +64 21 523 899
Email: [email protected]