Humble beginnings

Our original Trustees Phil Bradfield, Kathy Hughes, Sara Kross, Tessa Nicholson, Karen Thorner-Ross, plus many dedicated trustees and volunteers, have helped shape and grow the organisation to what it is today, 'the Kārearea Falcon Trust. All were local people who cared deeply about the conservation of our precious New Zealand native species and who have been able to bring their skills, their energy and passion, to the Kārearea Falcon Trust.

The Kārearea Falcon Trust has always been about the people of Marlborough and Aotearoa working together to protect the kārearea. We are a grassroots organisation at our core, and that's part of what's made us successful. We were extremely fortunate to receive sponsorship from the Brancott Estate Living Land Fund and land on which to build our aviary. The concrete floor, roof, and walls were all erected- and then it was time for the trustees and volunteers to move tonnes of pea gravel into the bays, to work alongside Steve Dobson to construct the interior walls and doors, and to plant the internal and outside gardens. We prepped food, cleaned the pens, built CCTV systems, and attended events to raise money and awareness. Our fantastic staff, trustees, and volunteers have always been willing to invest time and effort to benefit the kārearea, New Zealands only endemic bird of prey.