About Wingspan
Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust has been at the forefront of New Zealand raptor conservation for over three decades.
What began as a grass roots passion project in the 1980s has grown into the country's most respected organisation dedicated to the protection, study, and celebration of birds of prey.
Our Story
Founded in 1992 by Debbie Stewart MNZM, Wingspan was born from a simple but powerful belief: that New Zealand's birds of prey deserve a future. The Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre opened to the public in Rotorua in 2004, welcoming visitors to experience these spectacular taonga (treasured) species up close.
Today, Wingspan is recognised nationally and internationally as the pre-eminent raptor conservation organisation in New Zealand - and the only facility of its kind in the country.
Our Purpose
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to the kārearea - the New Zealand falcon - a threatened species found nowhere else on Earth. Falcons hold deep significance in Māori culture as taonga species, and as a people of the land we have a shared responsibility to protect them.
Our work spans four key pillars:
- Conservation - captive breeding, wild bird release, and habitat advocacy
- Research - supporting and conducting scientific study into raptor populations and threats
- Rehabilitation - caring for injured wild birds and returning them to nature
- Education - inspiring New Zealanders of all ages to value and protect our native raptors
Our Achievements
- Over 30 years of continuous raptor conservation in New Zealand
- Winner of the Westpac Rotorua Community Organisation Business Award 2013
- Founder Debbie Stewart appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to birds of prey
- Published internationally peer-reviewed scientific research on NZ raptor species
- Hundreds of captive-bred falcons released into the New Zealand wild
Our Team
Wingspan is led by a dedicated team of aviculturists, conservationists, researchers, and volunteers who share an unwavering passion for New Zealand's birds of prey. From our experienced raptor handlers to our behind-the-scenes breeding specialists, every team member plays a vital role in our mission.