Protecting our native plants, animals and wild places, on land and in our oceans. Help us to help nature.
What We Do
All around NZ Forest & Bird is advocating and acting to get better protection for our environment.
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Formed in 1923, Forest & Bird has about 40,000 members in 50 branches that work on a variety of conservation activities, from re-forestation to lobbying, bird monitoring to weed-busting.
Originally established to protect our native forests and birds, our role has been extended in recent years to include protection of all native species and wild places – on land and in our oceans, lakes and rivers.
Although the issues Forest & Bird has tackled have broadened over time, the same motivation - to protect New Zealand's native flora, fauna, habitats and natural scenic values – is still central to Forest & Bird today.
With this key motivation in mind, we have –
- Established a network of 38 reserves & sanctuaries for our native species that are actively managed by our members.
- Successfully campaigned for greater protection for our native animals and helped to bring many species, such as the kakapo and black robin, back from the brink of extinction.
- Published awareness-raising publications & guides, such as our quarterly magazine, Forest & Bird, and our popular consumer booklet Best Fish Guide.
- Created a number of awareness-raising events, such as our annual Bird of the Year poll.
- Established seven lodges throughout the country, so our members can get up-close and personal with the native birds, plants and wilderness areas.
- Because many of the species found in New Zealand cross international borders, we work with a variety of national & international partners, such as BirdLife International.
Remember! We are a not-for-profit organisation, and we receive no funding from the government – we need your support.