Smelter clouds kakapo future

Could Kakapo funding dry up?The cash-strapped New Zealand Aluminium Smelters wants to pull its $200,000 a year sponsorship money out of the Kakapo Recovery Programme, putting the future of the endangered parrot in doubt.

Tiwai Point smelter boss Ryan Cavanagh said it had stated its intention to exit the kakapo recovery partnership last week and was working closely with the Conservation Department and Forest & Bird to ensure the programme was left in a sustainable position.

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Sirocco settles in for a six-week stay

Sirocco the kakapo gets the first look of his new enclosure on the Maungatautari Ecological Island. All the trimmings of a celebrity visit

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Sixth Kakapo Death In A Year Drops Population to 125

The death of Barnard the kakapo drops the kakapo population to 125 parrots. Courtesy the Kakapo Recovery Program.Kakapo Recovery has been dealt a disappointing blow, following the discovery of another dead bird – the sixth during the past year.

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New Zealand’s celebrity kakapo Sirocco arrives in Hamilton

Sirocco, New Zealand’s celebrity kakapo arrives at Hamilton Airport.Sirocco, New Zealand’s celebrity kakapo has flown into Hamilton this afternoon ahead of a six week stay on Maungatautari Mt. 

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N. Zealand's 'night parrot' brought back from the brink

On the verge of extinction (AFP Graphic)

AUCKLAND — Flightless, slow-moving and at times more sexually attracted to humans than their own species, it's small wonder New Zealand's kakapo parrot is on the verge of extinction.

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