Wingspan gifted equipment to help with research

Canon New Zealand chief executive Kim Conner (left) presents executive director for Wingspan Debbie Stewart with the equipment. Photo/Supplied

New Zealand's leading conservation, education and research organisation for birds of prey is thrilled to have received $5000 worth of equipment from Canon New Zealand.

Wingspan recently won the environmental grant in the Canon Oceania Grants.

The prize was $5000 worth of equipment of their choice.

On Monday Canon New Zealand representatives, including chief executive Kim Conner, travelled to Rotorua to present Wingspan with their new video camera.

Wingspan executive director Debbie Stewart says they are thrilled to have won the environmental grant that Canon offers.

She says their birds are such visual ones and this equipment will be helpful for their research and recordings.

It will help to record intimate moments such as chicks hatching and parents feeding their young.

"Those are the opportunities that are often lost without great equipment.

"This equipment means we can share that with the wider community, so they can see that too."

One of Wingspan's birds checks out the equipment. Photo/Supplied

She says Canon has also given them a pair of binoculars as an added bonus, which will also help with their research.

"It's wonderful that they give this sort of opportunity to conservation projects and trusts like us."

She says usually equipment like this camera would be out of their reach.

"We are all excited by it."

The three categories in the Canon Oceania Grants are community, education and environmental.

Canon New Zealand corporate communication Laura Barrett says the environmental category is the most popular one for entries.

Laura says Wingspan stood out because they are the only rehabilitation centre for our national falcons and birds of prey.

"To be able to hand over the equipment in person is special, and to see up close and personal what they do."

She says it has meant they get to see first hand how they will be able to use the equipment, and to see the passion and commitment Wingspan have for their birds.

Canon New Zealand gives away these three grants every year.

She encourages people to consider applying, even though sometimes people see a grant and think they will never stand a chance.