New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) has ended its 25-year long sponsorship of a recovery programme for critically endangered Kakapo, partly because of the low cost of aluminium.
The company began funding the Kākāpō Recovery Programme in 1990 and has contributed more than $4.5 million and more than 1100 employee volunteer days over that time.
Chief executive and general manager Gretta Stephens says the company had concerns in 2003 about the viability of continuing their sponsorship because of market conditions.
"We are sad to be stepping down, however we are very proud to have played our party in helping to save this critically endangered species."
"There were only 49 Kākāpō when we first started, now there are 125,"Ms Stephens says.
The current commercial situation has finally meant the company has ended their contract. The price of aluminium has halved since 1990 from $4545 per tonne to $2250 per tonne.
Department of Conservation Director-General Lou Sanson says with the support from NZAS, the recovery programme has become highly successful and recognised around the world.
Ms Stephens says she now urges other New Zealand organisations to take up the challenge of sponsoring the programme.
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