Spark employee, Craig Forsyth has developed a real passion for protecting kiwi after forming a bond with one that frequents his back garden in Kerikeri.
Craig says: “There are a few kiwi who visit my garden regularly and one (who my son’s named Kip) who visits almost every evening. Last night we heard two males calling in different areas on and around our property – it was a very special experience!”
Watch videos of Kip visiting here.
“We feel very responsible now that we know there’s a young male kiwi who calls our yard home. I have a number of stoat and rat traps, along with live capture possum traps to assist in keeping my small piece of paradise predator free!”
Craig’s also part of the Puketotara Landcare Group that works hard to protect kiwi near Kerikeri.
Each year Spark staff volunteer their time to help local projects, and Craig has spent his last two volunteer days helping Puketotara Landcare carry out predator control on a large, award winning dairy farm that’s heavily involved in kiwi protection.
Craig is calling on other Spark employees to get behind our national icon:
“Keeping kiwi safe is a big ongoing job. My local group and a lot of others need help, this is where Spark people can assist”.
If your group or project would like some help from Spark volunteers contact Ngaire Tyson – Kiwi Coast Coordinator.
Also, as part of Save Kiwi Month being promoted by the Kiwis for kiwi Trust, Spark is taking part in the Great Kiwi Morning Tea, on October 16 selling baked goods to raise money and promote awareness of kiwi.
Craig says: “I’ll be selling my wife’s delicious baking in Spark City kitchen and I encourage others to do the same! All you need to do is don an apron or beg, borrow or assume ownership of some baked goods to sell in your kitchen area to help save our national bird.”
If you want to hold your own Great Kiwi Morning Tea to raise funds for kiwi sign up here.
