A long time ago, Aotearoa New Zealand’s skies were full of tiny fluttering pekapeka – our amazing native bats! There are two kinds remaining: pekapeka‑tou‑roa the long‑tailed bat and pekapeka‑tou‑poto the lesser short‑tailed bat. They’re super special, but also endangered because of predators, such as rats, and loss of habitat.
This International Bat Day (17 April), let’s help pekapeka fly again with the power of creativity!
Forest & Bird is inviting everyone to craft their own pekapeka, hang them up around their neighbourhoods, take photos, and share the fun online. Imagine whole streets filled with swooping DIY bats to remind us all why these tiny animals are so cool and need our help.
You can join in by:
- Bringing a crafted bat to school or work
- Hosting a “bat‑tastic” morning tea
- Reading a bat story to your tamariki
- Or decorating your home with your cool creations!
If you run a holiday programme, why not make Friday 17 April Bring a Bat Day. Go for a nature walk, hunt for trees that would make great bat roosts, hang up your DIY bats, and share where they are online.
Let’s fill New Zealand's skies with bats again – starting with the ones we make ourselves!
Here are five free Forest & Bird resources to get you started:
Build a bat using this step-by-step KCC guide and hang it in your backyard, or bring your bat to work and spark conversations about pekapeka with colleagues.
Watch this Forest & Bird video about long-tailed bats in Aotearoa New Zealand, including rare footage of bats flying and a map with pekapeka populations. It was created as part of our national advocacy for native bats and their habitats.
Download and share KCC's bat-focused Wild Things magazine (issue 157) with your tamariki or mokopuna.
Learn about Forest & Bird's nationally significant Te Hoiere bat recovery project and make a donation.
Join Forest & Bird and help bats in your backyard. Many of our branches and national projects need volunteers to help with predator control and habitat restoration.