Our history
The Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust was established in late 2008 by passionate individuals who realised that by acting now, we could positively change the outcome of the survival for the threatened bird of prey: the kārearea / New Zealand falcon.
How it started
The 'Falcons for Grapes' project was established in 2008 to reintroduce kārearea falcons to the Wairau and Aware valleys. That project was kickstarted by funding from the government and New Zealand winegrowers, but it looked like it would shut down without ongoing funding. Aiming to continue this conservation work Sara Kross, then a PhD student at the University of Canterbury, worked part-time for Kathy Hughes at the cellar door at Brancott Estate. She told Kathy about the challenges faced by continuing falcon conservation work in Marlborough. In typical fashion, Kathy said, "We need to do something about this, this is our native falcon, and it's right here in Marlborough". So, they did.
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 that it is today 'The Kārearea Falcon Trust. All were local people who care deeply about the conservation of our precious New Zealand native species and who have been able to bring their communities, their skills, and 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 falcons.
DR. Sarah Kross
Dr. Sara Kross was one of the founding members of the trust and was our first programme manager. Her PhD research focused on the efficacy of reintroducing kārearea into the valleys of Marlborough as both a conservation initiative and as a means of reducing pest damage in vineyards. This work remains one of the only examples of successful predator conservation in an intensive agricultural region anywhere in the world, and has been cited in the scientific literature over 165 times. Sara left New Zealand in 2013 to join a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship program in California, then went on to faculty positions in California and at Columbia University before returning to Aotearoa in 2022 as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury.
Would you like to support kārearea falcon ?
Make a donation.
Become a kārearea falcon supporter and spread the word that the New Zealand kārearea falcon is at risk with only 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining. Because of predation, loss of habitat, and impact from humans. Let us fly together to help save this species and ensure that our kārearea falcons will be here for many generations.