Advocacy & Education

We provide numerous opportunities for the public to learn about Aotearoa’s only endemic bird of prey: the kārearea.

There are four distinct advocacy initiatives the Kārearea Falcon Trust undertakes to increase public awareness and engagement:

  • Kārearea Kaitiaki primary school programme

    Over the winter months of June, July, August we welcome classes of Marlborough Year 3/4/5 students for our Marlborough Lines Ltd sponsored education programme.

  • Centre Tours

    Our Centre Tours offer an educational talk followed by a tour of the aviary during Advocacy Season for the general public. Group Tours are also available on request.

  • Kārearea Encounters 

    These encounters provide the opportunity to enter our advocacy enclosure safely with a member of staff and experience a falcon landing on your hand while wearing a falconry glove.

  • Outreach (events, social media, presentations)

    We attend events and speak to community groups to raise awareness of the Trust and the threatened kārearea. We post to our social media platforms regularly. Please contact us if you are interested in our attendance at an Marlborough event or community group.

A key goal for our advocacy and education is to increase awareness and appreciation of kārearea and the protection of all wildlife species.

Our vision is ka kite i a kārearea, a he tohu Rangatira, which directly translates to “for kārearea to be a sight to behold” speaks to the mission we have as a charitable trust striving for a future where everyone can see and experience kārearea thriving within New Zealand.

Goals of these advocacy initiatives are that visitors

  • Learn about kārearea and what makes them unique as a species 

  • Are able to identify other bird of prey species in New Zealand

  • Gain insight into the essential role raptors play as apex-predators in maintaining ecosystem health

  • Understand the importance of preserving and restoring populations of at risk endemic New Zealand birds

  • Are made aware of the threats facing kārearea, including the historical and modern impact humans have had on wildlife in New Zealand

  • Learn about the efforts of the Kārearea Falcon Trust to rescue, rehabilitate, breed, and release kārearea back into the wild

  • Learn of the cultural significance kārearea have as a taonga species in New Zealand 

  • Are inspired and empowered to take meaningful action for nature by engaging with conservation or environmental initiatives 

  • Become advocates for kārearea and New Zealand wildlife, sharing key messages with family, friends, and the wider community 

  • Develop a deeper sense of nature connection