The Real Promise
The Real Promise in action
Kiwi pukupuku translocation
This year we are launching one of our most ambitious conservation projects yet, helping return kiwi pukupuku to Ao-ata-te-pÅ Cooper Island in Tamatea Dusky Sound.
After more than a decade of predator trapping and habitat restoration led by RealNZ, Cooper Island will become the first predator-managed site where kiwi pukupuku are reintroduced outside of a fully fenced or predator-free sanctuary.
The Real Promise is directly funding the translocation and the ongoing trapping work that makes it possible.
Protecting the pukunui
In 2025, the Real Promise, combined with the annual RealNZ Conservation Ball and staff-led fundraising, helped raise over $275,000 for the Pukunui Southern NZ Dotterel.
Those funds are going directly into extending and improving predator control networks across Rakiura's remote breeding habitat, giving every nest, every egg, and every newly hatched chick a better chance of making it through.
Latest counts, in April 2026, from the Department of Conservation show the pukunui population has grown by 52% from 105 to around 160 birds in a year. The strongest increase in over 30 years of recovery work, driven by ongoing predator control.
Terms & Conditions
From 1 May 2026, RealNZ will contribute 1% of gross online revenue from bookings made through RealNZ.com to conservation. For us, conservation means activities that help protect, restore, or sustainably manage New Zealand's native wildlife, plants, land, freshwater, heritage, and marine environments, including pest control, habitat restoration, environmental research, and programmes led by iwi, community groups, or government agencies such as the Department of Conservation.
The 1% is calculated on gross booking value (excluding any cancelled or refunded transactions) based on the date of travel. This comes at no extra cost to you. We reserve the right to vary or discontinue this promotion at any time, with reasonable notice posted on RealNZ.com, and any contributions already accrued will still be contributed to conservation.
