Princess is for the birds

CONTRIBUTIONS from Princess Cruises guests have facilitated a doubling of kiwi numbers in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands over the last 18 months, according to Bush Bay Action, an organisation which the line has been supporting through its Local Partnerships Program (CW 26 Aug 2019).

About 50 children from the region have been busy building “houses” for threatened native wildlife which also includes penguins, providing a safe haven for the birds to raise their young.

Bush Bay Action trustee Brad Windhurst said the support of Princess guests had seen the organisation’s focus extended to the shores of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

“The focus of our Princess Cruises partnership is to create a thriving habitat that supports the growth of native bird populations,” Windhurst said.

Princess pledged NZ$100,000 to launch the program, which is also funded by adult guests donating $2 via their onboard account during the 2019/20 cruise season.

Stuart Allison, Princess Senior VP Asia Pacific, said Princess brings more guests to New Zealand than any other line, with the support of community based initiatives an extension of that relationship.