Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the Realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is afternoon [sign].

May I specifically greet you: Barry Wards, President of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Executive; Mike Britton, General Manager of Society; Clare Curran and Russel Norman, members of Parliament; Al Morrison, Director-General of the Department of Conservation; Barry O’Neil, Group Director Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture; Prof Jonathan Boston, Director, School of Government, Victoria University; Mike Burrell, Chief Executive Officer, Aquaculture New Zealand; Distinguished Guests otherwise; ladies and gentlemen.

It has been with pleasure that my wife, Susan, and I have accepted the invitation to attend today’s launch of the new Forest and Bird brand and marketing campaign.

As Patron of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, I would like to take this time to reflect on the wonderful contribution that this organisation has made to New Zealand’s environment over the years it has operated and the increasingly vital role it has played in protecting our native habitat.

Formed in 1923, that is, 86 years ago, Forest and Bird is the longest-serving conservation organisation in this country and was formed in response to the widespread extinction of native species and the destruction of our native forests.

In Forest and Bird’s almost ninety year existence, its work has extended far beyond the protection of native forests and birds, and there is now a vital role played in the protection all native species and our land, oceans, lakes and rivers. 

I am advised that Forest and Bird comprises, today, some forty thousand members in fifty branches who collectively work on a large variety of conservation activities including pest destruction, reforestation, weeding and re-introducing species into their native habitat.

The achievements of this Society are numerous but I would like to mention a few of the more recent success stories that highlight the important work carried out.

Most recently, Forest and Bird has reintroduced the wonderful songbird, Kokako, into the pest-free sanctuary “Ark in the Park” in the northern Waitakere Ranges in Auckland.

Of particular relevance is the Society’s Save the Albatross campaign. The Albatross is the bird for which my wife Susan notes as her favourite bird and we were delighted to learn that Forest and Bird are focusing on its protection.

New Zealand is known as the “albatross capital of the world”  and has become a breeding ground and nursery for more than half of the world’s 22 albatross species. Unfortunately, I have been told that six of those species found in New Zealand, including the royal albatross, are facing population decline from fishing threats such as trawling, and long lining. Coupled with albatrosses being slow breeders, they are them particularly vulnerable to becoming extinct.

On that note I would like to applaud Forest and Bird for its Save the Albatross campaign and its role in promoting sea-bird friendly fishing practices to save the albatross from extinction.  It is, however, only one of the many species that the Society has helped to save.

None of this commendable work is without its cost. Given that Forest and Bird is a not-for-profit conservation organisation, it relies on its membership and the generous donations of the New Zealand public and businesses.

On that note, I would like to everyone who has contributed to the important work that Forest and Bird carries out, whether that be by donations, volunteering, or assisting in other ways. Your contributions form a large part of the organisations’ effectiveness and without it, that work would not be sustainable.

It is difficult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society. The new branding including the new logo, with birds and animals making up a tree, has given the Society a fresh new look. It is one which I trust will attract increased and enhanced membership and support from throughout New Zealand.

David Bellamy, the well-known British botanist, author, broadcaster and environmental campaigner, in his reflections on our country, has said the following:

“[New Zealand] is the greenest country in the world in more ways than one, shouting a message of hope to a dying world. I tell you, if New Zealand can’t make it work, the rest of the world hasn’t got a chance.”

On that note of anticipation and hope in our country and the role it takes in protecting the environment, I will close in our country’s first language, offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.