Whinray Scenic Reserve is a taonga (treasure) and in time will be one of the last sites in Tairāwhiti that has kiwi, native bats, and other rare species. With 23 different endangered species living in the area, biodiversity levels are increasing thanks to their effective pest control programme covering 2000 hectares. The 1000 traps they set and maintain have significantly reduced numbers of stoats, ferrets, weasels, possums, ship rats and other pests.
“Through our pest control we’re protecting kiwi, weka, long tailed bats, skinks, gecko, and a whole range of other species. In the late 90’s we had only 8 kiwi, and now we’ve got over 100,” says Steve Sawyer, Whinray Eco Trust Trustee.
"It takes a lot of effort and funding each year to keep our pest control running, so we're grateful for any financial help we receive, however big or small," says Steve
Donating to Whinray Eco Trust’s Endowment Fund with Sunrise will support the important work Steve and his team are doing. All donations are invested, protected, and grown to keep up with inflation with the surplus investment income available to Whinray every year as a grant.
“I’d love to see people actively supporting Whinray’s fund. The more it grows, the bigger their annual grant will be. Whinray is a large operation to manage but it’s so important we preserve it for future generations,” says Glenda Stokes, Sunrise Foundation executive officer.
Learn more about the Whinray Eco Trust Endowment Fund.
Actively support their fund with a one-off or regular donation here.
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