Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 19 March 2026
This year marks 10 years of collaboration between DOC and Meridian as the National Partner of the Kākāpō Recovery Programme, working alongside Ngāi Tahu to support the critically threatened kākāpō.
DOC Director-General Penny Nelson says the partnership demonstrates the power of working together for nature.
“Meridian has supported the Kākāpō Recovery Programme in innovative and practical ways for ten years. From boots on the ground naturing alongside rangers, to providing infrastructure development and engineering expertise on the kākāpō breeding islands, Meridian has backed the programme through a period of strong growth.
“Partnerships like this show how businesses can make a real difference for nature. As we navigate the next steps in kākāpō recovery with another bumper breeding season in full swing, it’s fantastic to have Meridian’s continued support.”
The renewed agreement will continue to provide vital resources for the recovery of kākāpō, a nocturnal, flightless parrot that was once on the brink of extinction with just 51 birds in 1995.
Thanks to conservation efforts and strong partnerships, the kākāpō population has increased from 124 in 2016 to 235 in 2026, and with new chicks hatching this season, that number is set to rise.
Meridian Energy Chief Executive Mike Roan says they are proud to continue their commitment to kākāpō.
“Having been to Whenua Hou island and seen firsthand the work that DOC, Ngāi Tahu and volunteers from across New Zealand do to protect and grow the kākāpō population, I feel privileged to be able to extend Meridian’s support to those efforts. For a decade, we’ve worked together to support this taonga, and we’re proud to continue that commitment through to June 2029.”
Ngāi Tahu species representative for kākāpō Tāne Davis says Meridian’s support as the National Partner of Kākāpō Recovery is extremely important, not only to kākāpō but to Ngāi Tahu as well.
“Ngāi Tahu connect strongly to this taonga species and to see the population grow is important to us. The partnership is extremely important to keeping the mauri of kākāpō alive. Meridian’s funding is well utilised to help sustain the species and support from their team through volunteering and maintenance of the electricity supply on the kākāpō islands is key to the success of the programme.”
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