Rationale

In 1978 protesters perched on platforms in the remaining trees in an attempt to destroy the logging of what is now Pureora Forest Park.

Our illustration is about how deforestation has caused a decline in many native bird populations and how the only way to sustain the populations of many species of native birds is to manage and preserve their habitats efficiently.

 Pureora forest park was discovered to be an important location for a kokako population which is part of the motivation behind the protests; given the topic and the setting of our illustration it seemed appropriate to use the kokako as a symbol for native bird life.

The kokako was chosen to represent threatened native bird species as they are a good example of how fragile a species can be and how much of a devastating effect environment destruction can have on a species. Once common according to historical accounts there are now only 15 populations of the north island kokako remaining throughout New Zealand while the last confirmed sighting of the south island kokako was in 1962. The kokako has a distinctive mournful call which fits with the mood we wanted to evoke in the first half of the illustration. 

 The kokako fading out and then back in speaks of how many populations of native birds once critically endangered, though still endangered are beginning to recover with conservation help and environment protection.

 The sign represents how attitudes regarding environmental sustainability have changed  as it transitions from a logging site sign (disregard) to a protest sign (people beginning to realize the impact we are having on the environment but it is not yet widespread) to a Department of Conservation (DoC) sign (state sector organization is now in charge of conservation ­– now view is reasonably widespread and validated as important). The last two stages of the sign represent the kaitiaki involved in this story; the protestors and DoC. Red was used in the logging sign as foreshadowing the danger and consequences that deforestation has while the DoC colours are instantly recognizable to most New Zealanders as a symbol of DoC; the environment; of conservation in New Zealand; and of significant locations. Also by utilizing these recognizable colours and format the viewer is able to recognize the sign as a symbol rather than read the text.

To sustain New Zealand’s wildlife we must protect the environment and all become kaitiaki.

Sarah Rowley: 13049580

Megs Russell: 08631204