The Kārearea Project

What is the The Kārearea Project?

The Kārearea Project is a community initiative led by Cardrona Alpine Resort, driven by our shared passion for protecting the environment. Together with local businesses and valley residents, we're committed to helping the kārearea thrive. Guided by Parker Conservation, experts in kārearea conservation, we work closely with Iwi, the Department of Conservation, and other South Island kārearea projects. Big thanks to Cardrona Distillery, Hugo Charitable Trust, and The Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation for their support.

Our Mission

The kārearea, New Zealand’s only native falcon, is a taonga (treasure) in our environment. Also known as Sparrowhawks, they’re our most threatened bird of prey, facing challenges like predation, habitat loss, and human impact. The presence of kārearea in the mountains of the South Island is crucial for our ecological, cultural, and societal well-being. 

There's still much we don't know about kārearea in alpine environments, which limits effective conservation efforts. To protect them, we need more data. Our region, home to a small kārearea population, offers a unique opportunity to develop a science-based conservation approach in tussock grassland ecosystems. Education and community engagement are key to this project, with local school children, residents, and visitors getting to know the kārearea through various platforms. 

Initial Project Plan

• Gather knowledge of sightings by working with residents and businesses 

• Locate breeding pairs 

• Locate and monitor nests by installing wildlife cameras 

• Gain insight into breeding population, habitat use and territory size 

• Educate and engage through display panels and capturing imagery and footage 

The Kārearea Project is proudly supported by Hugo Charitable Trust, Cardrona Distillery and the Les Hutchins Conservation Foundation.