Queenstown glam raises $150,000 for Rees Valley takahē project

A new home for takahē in a backcountry valley near Queenstown is a step closer after a significant funding boost of more than $150,000 over the weekend.

Queenstown residents and guest glammed up and jumped aboard the TSS Earnslaw to attend RealNZ's annual Conservation Ball, held at Walter Peak.

This year's event was aimed at supporting the translocation of takahē into the Rees Valley.

Takahē Reina feeding a chick in her new home on Greenstone Station out the back of Queenstown (Image: Supplied/DOC/Servane Kiss).

Organisers say their $140,000 fund-raising goal was "smashed" on the night.

In conjunction with the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, the Department of Conservation, and other conservation partners, the funds raised will help protect the Rees Valley from predators and allow native birds to thrive in the area. Creating a safe habitat in the Rees Valley means DOC can consider bringing in takahē - one of the country's most endangered birds.

Funds were raised through a mix of live auctions at the event and online TradeMe auctions, to enable those not attending to contribute to the worthy cause.

“We’re thrilled to have raised such a substantial amount for the Rees Valley sanctuary project. The funds will help support a thriving habitat for our precious native birds, and the future relocation of takahē to the valley,” RealNZ chief executive Dave Beeche says.

“The Conservation Ball’s success is a testament to the organising team, the attendees, and the RealNZ community’s commitment to conservation – we are incredibly proud of this result.”

DOC and Ngāi Tahu have collaborated on a project to reintroduce takahē to Greenstone Station, nearby to the Rees Valley.

A founding population of 28 birds, introduced in two batches starting in August last year, is now thriving and raising juveniles born in the wild.