The initiatives were already in progress and Bungy contributed by assisting the community groups with their applications for Jobs for Nature funding, a component of the government's Covid-19 recovery strategy. Collectively, the groups were awarded nearly $4.5 million, significantly bolstering their efforts.
With the funding for the groups in place, Bungy was then able to help them put their project plans into action. Using its internal resources, the company swiftly commenced recruitment, provided vehicles, and implemented health and safety, payroll, and reporting systems.
Conservation projects
Of the three projects, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary stands out as one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most extensive conservation efforts. Its primary goal is to manage predators such as rats and stoats to protect 35 endangered species, including various birds and lizards, around Lake Wānaka and Lake Whakatipu. This project now employs 22 staff members who collaborate with hundreds of volunteers to cover an area of 155,400 hectares.
Greg Lind, Co-chair of the Trust, highlights the timely nature of Bungy's involvement.
"Bungy's early and supportive engagement meant that we could focus more on conservation activities rather than on operational logistics to achieve our desired outcomes."
The Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust is undertaking a similar, albeit smaller, predator trapping project at the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu. Established in 2013, the Trust has installed 50 kilometres of trapping lines in valley forests to target rats and stoats.
The Tucker Beach Wildlife Reserve project is revitalising a section of Department of Conservation land near the Lower Shotover River. Following years of neglect, the initiative has cleared 18 hectares of woody weeds and planted five hectares with native flora.
Continuing support
Bungy's commitment to supporting local initiatives stems from a deep-seated sense of corporate social responsibility, with a focus on positively impacting the environment and communities that have supported its operations over the years. This engagement has enhanced local biodiversity and provided meaningful support to community groups, enriching both the business and its staff.
Motivated to expand its conservation efforts, Bungy has developed a plant nursery and initiated predator control programmes at its four locations across the South Island and Taupō. With the impending conclusion of Jobs for Nature funding, Bungy is committed to maintaining its support for these projects.
Dave Mitchell, Bungy CEO, expressed the company's dedication to the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, committing $100,000 annually from July 2024 to support its continuous efforts. Bungy encourages other businesses to engage with and support this project in its goal to raise $1 million yearly for ongoing work.
Mitchell underscores the value of corporate involvement in community projects.
"The collaboration between businesses and community groups can significantly benefit our environment. Our experience over the past two years has demonstrated that businesses, even those not primarily focused on conservation, can make a substantial contribution to environmental sustainability."
Photo credit: Southern Lakes Sanctuary