The preservation of creatures such as the falcon, morepork and harrier hawk depends on the voluntary work of people like Wingspan Birds of Prey chairman Noel Hyde.
At the centre on Paradise Valley Rd, members of the public can learn more about these feathered predators during shows by
Mr Hyde and his partner Debbie Stewart, but their work goes much deeper than that.
"It was an easy decision to come to Rotorua to be with my partner and help get Wingspan up and running," he told The Daily Post. "I enjoy being able to share these birds with the people coming in and helping to generate interest in birds of prey."
Mr Hyde left his job as head of the bird department at Te Papa to come to Rotorua and still earns his money through avian taxidermy, but his work with Wingspan is a true labour of love.
The charity has been conducting research into habits and habitats and caring for injured or orphaned birds for more than 15 years. The centre cares for about 50 birds a year - some of which need round the clock care.
"They all come with their own issues and problems and we just have to deal with them on a case by case basis. It can mean long hours to pull them through."
Little was previously known about the development of these predators and Wingspan, its volunteers and staff at Central City Vets have kept a detailed log of the chicks and birds they have cared for, which is becoming a valuable resource and they are building networks with other related institutions to share that knowledge.
As many of birds as possible are returned to the wild and those that cannot be released are kept on site and trained for the daily shows.
Because the birds work best with one trainer and regress very quickly, training has to be a daily activity for Mr Hyde and Ms Stewart. "Going away on holiday is not so easy."
But it is a lifestyle Mr Hyde would not change for the world.
"It is always a privilege working with raptors. They are just cool birds. They look spectacular, they hunt spectacularly and they fly spectacularly. They are simply incredible birds."
