How Forest and Bird Began

The late 1800s saw a number of reserves created in order to protect some of the unique scenery of the country. Laws were passed that provided protection for some species of native wildlife. In 1897 Kapiti Island was designated as an island reserve, providing a refuge for native wildlife relatively free from harassment by predators, such as stoats and weasels, newly introduced yet already spreading quite rapidly over the country.

It was in this political and social climate that Forest and Bird came into being. Kapiti Island provided the backdrop and Captain Val Sanderson provided the inspiration.

On returning from the First World War, Captain Sanderson visited Kapiti Island, to find the forest playground of his youth bereft of bird life, and overrun with cattle, goats and sheep, browsing out the undergrowth. Sanderson, along with a few supporters, began a campaign to see Kapiti restored to its former glory and its status as a wildlife reserve upheld. Encouraged by friends, supporters and the success of his campaign, Captain Sanderson sought to widen his activism and the Native Bird Protection Society was established at a public meeting in March 1923.

The number and focus of issues the Society has chosen to tackle has increased and broadened over time, yet the same motivating influences, to protect New Zealand's native flora, fauna, their habitats and natural scenic values, are still borne out.