Conservation Socks Have Re-Stocked

After selling out the first time around, I am excited to share that the ‘Original Trio’ is back in stock on the Conservation Socks store!

Here’s a little story behind why the ‘Original Trio’ features the birds it does. Growing up in New Zealand, I was always fascinated by native birdlife. Like many little Kiwis, I had some special encounters with these incredible species.

Takahē: One of New Zealand’s greatest conservation success stories. I remember learning about the Takahē when Mitre10 partnered with DOC for the 2005 Takahē Recovery Programme. There was a colouring competition (something 8-year-old Abbey took very seriously!) that helped raise awareness about saving these birds from extinction, something I mostly understood from watching the movie Dinosaur on repeat.

Not long after, I visited Tiritiri Matangi and met the infamous Greg on the beach. He followed me around, posed for photos, and gave me a real appreciation for how gentle and silly these trusting Takahē are. It makes me proud knowing that the continued efforts of Aotearoa’s conservation teams and volunteers have helped grow the population from just 124 to around 500 today.

Kōrora: See the photo above.... I don’t think you’d be allowed to hold one for a photo anymore! Visiting the worlds smallest penguins at Auckland Zoo and the National Aquarium in Napier was always a highlight. I was also once lucky enough to spot one porpoising (leaping out of the water like a dolphin) in the Tutukaka region.
These little cuties are currently facing population decline due to introduced predators, dogs, traffic, and habitat loss.

Pīwakawaka: Fortunately, these flirtatious little birds are widespread and considered non-threatened. In Tauranga, I used to watch a pair hunting for bugs in the tangelo tree in our backyard. They grew used to me sitting nearby, and I was always fascinated by their quick, agile movements.

When I lived next to Kauri Glen Reserve in Auckland, I’d often spot them from my balcony. I’d call out a little “twirp twirp twirp” and, more often than not, get a reply. Give it a go next time you see one!

$1 from every pair sold goes towards conservation efforts across New Zealand, helping protect these incredible birds for generations to come.