New Zealand Fairy Tern / Tara-iti

With a population of fewer than 40 birds and including a four year average (2009-2012) of just 9 breeding pairs, Sternula nereis davisae, the New Zealand fairy tern, (NZFT) is New Zealand's rarest endemic breeding bird.

The Trust

About the New Zealand Fairy Tern Charitable Trust (NZFTCT)

  • Formed by concerned community people and ornithologists in 2008 with the aim of ensuring the survival of this endearing little seabird for future generations of New Zealanders and to preserve part of NZ's biodiversity;

  • Supports and participates in the New Zealand fairy tern Recovery Project initiated by Department of Conservation (DOC) in 1991 by complementing their management efforts;

  • Fundraises to logistically support DOC volunteers at all current breeding and wintering grounds, so that participation is affordable to willing helpers;

  • Advocates for this endemic NZ sub-species, to raise awareness of its plight, via public talks, displays, leaflet drops and media articles;

  • Circulates NZFT news and information to our members with a regular bulletin and our website;

  • Has five permanent trustees and an annually elected executive committee of 10 members who meet monthly.

Join Us

Join us in helping this precious bird survive, it's our tern!

Become a member

click here to Join Online or


Papakanui volunteer Helen Smith now has the use of a telescope funded from profits of the 2010 NZFT calendar created by Rangi Zimmerman and Paulla-Jean Pridham. Photo/Judy Bendall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our display equipment, the tear drop flag and travel assistance for Whangarei volunteers was kindly funded by Ron and Edna Greenwood Environmental Trust.

 

NZFTCT Gazebo and display which is at the Mangawhai Gala every year; 2 January, spreading our message about the NZ Fairy Tern. Here it is manned by Heather Rogan and Jane Vaughan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our thanks to Alan Deare who designed and donated our logo
and to Gavin Sandy who donated the heading photo we have used
on this website.