Invitation: Help secure the future of the Ashley–Rakahuri’s remarkable birdlife

The lower Ashley–Rakahuri River and its estuary are home to one of the most important braided river bird communities in New Zealand. This extraordinary landscape is the biodiversity jewel of the Waimakariri District, supporting nationally threatened and declining species found in few other places.

For the past 26 years, the Ashley–Rakahuri Rivercare Group (ARRG) has worked tirelessly to protect these birds. Thanks to hundreds of volunteer hours, much has been achieved—but it has also become clear that volunteers alone cannot meet the growing challenges.

Today we have an outstanding staff member whose work is making a real difference. Our goal is to secure permanent funding so that this position—and hopefully others—can continue protecting these birds well into the future.

We invite you to an engaging, highly visual presentation featuring several speakers
who will share:

• the remarkable birdlife of the Ashley–Rakahuri River
• the challenges these species face
• the work being done to protect them
• how individuals, businesses and organisations can help ensure their future.

If you value the natural heritage of the Waimakariri District, we hope you will join us.

Together we can ensure these birds remain part of our river for generations to come.

Every donation, sponsorship and volunteer contribution helps safeguard one of New Zealand’s most important braided river ecosystems.