From its inception, Forest and Bird has worked for the protection
of New Zealand’s indigenous flora and fauna. This work continues to this
day.
Major successes Forest and Bird has helped achieve include
The Save Manapouri Campaign, which in 1972 finally saved Lake Manapouri
from a proposal to raise its water level for increased hydro-electricity production.
The protection of all major remaining North Island native forests from clearance
and logging during the 1980s.
The declaration of the South West World Heritage Area in 1989; the establishment
of the Department of Conservation in 1987.
The passing of the Resource Management Act in 1991.
Other achievements include
Creation of the Pollen Island Marine Reserve in the Waitemata Harbour. As
well as helping secure marine reserves around the Kermadec Islands, at Mayor
Island and on the Coromandel, Hawkes Bay, Kapiti and Taranaki coasts.
Raising the profile of the problem of chronic under-funding of the Department
of Conservation resulting in modest funding increases for threatened species
work.
Helping to create the Kahurangi National Park in North West Nelson.
Negotiation of agreements with major forest industry groups that protect
large areas of privately owned native forest and set principles for sound
environmental practices in New Zealand’s plantation forest industry.
