12 hours ago
‘Love Shack' For Endangered NZ Falcons – NZ Raptor Trust Secures Rare Breeding Permit
NZ Raptor Trust Chair, Jenni Fraser sums it up nicely We have the permit, we have the birds (well nearly Stella and Jet are still in Blenheim), all we need now is a completed facility.
18th June 2025
DOC has issued to the New Zealand Raptor Trust a Permanent Captive Holding for Species Management permit to enable them to develop a Falcon captive breeding programme, only the third ever in Aotearoa. The Kārearea is New Zealand's only falcon and our most endangered bird of prey.
The NZ Raptor Trust, based in Timaru, has been working with DOC over the past two years to secure this exclusive privilege – establishing a captive breeding programme for Kārearea, our native Falcon. The programme gained momentum with the arrival of an ideal female falcon, Stella. Found injured in South Canterbury, Stella was assessed by the NZ Raptor Trust and spent weeks in intensive care. While she's made a remarkable recovery, ongoing issues – including a droopy wing affecting her ability to fly and a slight head tilt from the trauma – means she can't be released back into the wild. She is now living at the Kārearea Falcon Trust in Blenheim, where she has partnered up with Jet. With any luck, the upcoming breeding season (October to March) will bring the pitter-patter of tiny talons.
Focus has now turned to creating a facility and home for Stella and Jet to continue their significant and valuable contribution to the NZ Kārearea population.
NZ Raptor Trust Chair, Jenni Fraser sums it up nicely 'We have the permit, we have the birds (well nearly Stella and Jet are still in Blenheim), all we need now is a completed facility.'
Containers are already on site; these will provide the main frame and structure of the breeding facility, the next stage is to convert these into the perfect home and breeding 'love shack'. The trust is now looking for sponsorship and funding for this exciting next step in their work with birds of prey from individuals, groups, clubs, whanau and businesses. You can do via the give a little page the QR code or the donations page at
Captive breeding programmes see birds that are not suitable for release, such as Stella and are successfully paired and breed chicks improving the NZ Falcon population and working to bring them back from the brink of extinction.
The NZ Raptor Trust was established in 2016 and provides and cares for sick, injured and orphaned raptors until they are fit for release back to their natural habitat. We aim to educate and inspire current and future generations, raising awareness and boosting populations of our vulnerable birds of prey. Alongside this crucial rehabilitation work for owls, hawks and falcons the Trust has a cohort of long-term residents of hawks and owls that are trained for interaction with people and you can book an experience session.
Joining the two existing Captive Breeding programmes based at Kārearea Falcon Trust in Blenheim and Wingspan in Rotorua. There is a great collaborative spirit across the three organisations.
The New Zealand Raptor Trust is based in Timaru, South Canterbury and for the past eight years the trust has been licensed to hold all New Zealand Raptors for treatment, rehabilitation and release. This next stage is an important step forward in their journey.
