Mazda helps safeguard falcon

The Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust received money from the Mazda Foundation. Photo / Supplied

Foundation aid supporting needy causes nationwide

The Mazda Foundation has donated almost $53,000 to 18 individuals and groups from around New Zealand, as part of its first round of funding this year.

Each year, the Mazda Foundation holds three funding rounds and selects inspirational New Zealanders, community groups and charities that are in need of support.

This round, a combination of individuals, playcentres, schools and environmental organisations were granted much-needed funding, including the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust.

The trust received $2512 to assist with the purchase of an essential incubator and brooder for its New Zealand falcon captive breeding and release programme.

The famous New Zealand falcon, featured on the $20 note, is the country's only remaining endemic native bird of prey and is considered a nationally threatened species and at risk of extinction.

The purchase of an incubator and brooder will increase the number of breeding techniques available to the Falcon Conservation Trust and support them in achieving a successful breeding season.

"The Mazda Foundation's generous grant has helped us to safeguard the New Zealand falcon by providing us with better facilities with which to breed and rehabilitate our birds," said Catherine Stafford, trustee of the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust.

"The New Zealand falcon is one of our country's national treasures and it is vital that we ensure that it will be around for generations to come. The equipment provided by the Mazda Foundation will help us to meet our objective of releasing as many birds into the wild as possible."

Andrew Clearwater, chairman of the Mazda Foundation and Mazda NZ's managing director, said the foundation was happy to be in a position to help such a variety of organisations and individuals across New Zealand.

"This funding round saw a large number of diverse causes apply for assistance from all across the country.

"It was humbling to see how many inspirational Kiwi organisations and community projects there are in New Zealand, and that's just the tip of the iceberg," he said.

"We're always grateful to be able to help out where we can and provide some assistance for these individuals, charities and organisations which make such a difference within our communities."

Other grants included funding to Wellington Zoo to assist with their tuatara conservation programme, helping to purchase outdoor fleeces for St Patrick's Scout group in Dunedin, and funding to enable the implementation of a youth leadership outreach programme in Auckland called Listen Up! to educate students on the importance of looking after their hearing.

The Mazda Foundation has distributed more than $1,392,700 to 370 recipients since its establishment in late 2005.

The closing date for the next round of Mazda Foundation applications is June 30.