07/06/2026
Precious cargo onboard! 🦉
We were proud to play a small part in the transportation of a taonga species from Rotorua Airport to Christchurch - a male Kārearea New Zealand Falcon, named Iana.
The 2012 and 2025 Bird of the Year champion is an endemic species, found nowhere else in the world, and is threatened with extinction. The Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua has been breeding falcons to supplement the wild population for around 30 years, and Timaru-based NZ Raptor Trust is now joining the cause. It is hoped Wingspan-bred Iana and his new girlfriend Bonnie will produce young for release in the South Island, helping to contribute to the survival of the species.
But the excitement didn't end there - two Little Owls hitched a ride back! Due to disabilities, Nutmeg and Nelson cannot be released back into the wild, so are now in the care of Wingspan and will become ambassador birds.
Iana, Nutmeg and Nelson are settling in well in their respective new homes. If you want to learn more about the birds journey, head to Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust and The New Zealand Raptor Trust
Photos provided by Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust.