Wingspan Raptor Award

• Awarded for outstanding efforts in NZ Raptor conservation.

   

  

  
  The Wingspan Raptor Award was established in 2006 to recognise individuals, groups, and/or organisations for outstanding efforts and contributions towards New Zealand birds of prey.

  After ending her tenure at the helm of Wingspan in March, following more than four decades of tireless service for our birds of prey, we consider it only appropriate that the recipient of the 2024 Raptor Award is Debbie Stewart.

  Debbie has always had an affinity for wildlife, but it wasn’t until the early 80s that the spark for raptors ignited what would become a lifelong love affair. With a pioneering spirit, she founded the country’s first bird of prey centre, and through her passion and sheer determination has transformed it into a leading force in raptor conservation.

  Debbie has been the driving force behind this success. She oversaw the first urban release of a threatened species in Aotearoa, with the release of kārearea from the Rotorua Museum between 2013 and 2015. She led the first release of captive bred kārearea on iwi land, with the release at Tauhara Maunga in 2021. She authored the first book ever written on New Zealand’s birds of prey with the publication of The Hunters in 2018. She has cared for more than 1,000 raptors throughout her career and was justly recognised for her service in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours list as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

  These are but a few examples of the tangible measures of Debbie’s contribution to birds of prey, and are evidence of her unwavering tenacity and ground-breaking, innovative approach. But her influence ‘behind-the-scenes’ is no less impressive and is harder to define. 

  As a leader, Debbie has mentored and inspired multitudes of employees, postgrad students and volunteers, many of whom have gone on to have meaningful and successful careers in conservation. She has offered guidance and support to other industry professionals, giving a voice to our birds of prey and ensuring only the best standards of care are upheld. And she has welcomed countless visitors to the centre, sharing with them her wealth of knowledge and contagious enthusiasm and instilling in them a newfound interest and respect for our birds of prey.

  This is her enduring legacy. Without doubt, Debbie has ignited in others the very spark that first led her to embark on this journey and has paved the way for many to follow. The impression she has left on all who she has encountered in her career has made a fundamental difference to our birds of prey and their future. Her impact in this respect is immeasurable. 

  
  

  Winners of the Wingspan Raptor Conservation Award:
  2007 Dr Richard Seaton
  2008 Andrew Thomas
  2009 Colin Wynn
  2010 Steve Lawrence
  2011 Dr John Holland
  2012 Laurie and Janice Hoverd
  2014 Mary Staal
  2015 Chifuyu Hawksby
  2016 Betty Shepherd
  2021 Kevin Matthews
  2022 Scott & Tracey Bowman
  2023 Tāne Lawless
  2024 Debbie Stewart