The Kea Conservation Trust has been removing lead from kea habitat since 2021. This work continues today with the continued support of our generous donors and community supporters. Lead poisoning is a major threat to kea who ingest it in the form of roof flashings and nailheads and leadshot scavenged from carcasses. The impact of lead on kea has been well studied (follow the link to find out more). Removing it from the environment will be a major step for the species recovery.
Between 2021-2024 we secured Jobs for Nature funding to remove lead from kea habitat. Over the two and a half years we trained and certified 13 personnel to safely work at heights to make 508 buildings lead free throughout kea habitat, all at no cost to property owners. This resulted in around four tonnes of lead (in the form of 7549 mtrs of lead flashing and 242,000 lead-head nails) being removed from the environment resulting in a huge conservation win for kea!
Our aim is to continue this work until all lead which is accessible to kea, is removed.
About Our Current Project -2024 onwards
This project continues on from our J4N project to remove lead flashings and lead nailheads from buildings in areas where it is accessible to kea and replace with safe, non-toxic alternatives. We focus on known hotspots for lead poisoning in kea. This service is FREE to landowners.
Locations
Our de-leading teams remove lead in the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu, throughout kea habitat. Work is currently underway in Arthur's Pass, Tasman/Golden Bay and the West Coast (Okarito and Franz Josef). Other sites which are on our list include Aoraki/Mt Cook. We are keen to take bookings in any areas where kea are accessing lead.
Do you qualify for this free service?
Get your free, confidential site assessment today! Just send us your property address and your contact details to our Project Coordinator, Paula (contact@keaconservation.nz) and we will be in touch.
Peace of Mind - Keeping You and your Buildings Safe
We understand that your property is one of the most important assets you will ever own. As such we will ensure all care is taken to ensure your roof's integrity is maintained;
- Our project Roofing Team Leader (a Licenced Building Practitioner – Roofing), will oversee all lead removal and replacement work to ensure a high standard of work is carried out.
- All building works will be protected under our insurance policy.
- All roofing personnel will be trained by our Roofing Team Leader to a high standard and will have completed a Working at Heights course (NZQA Level 3) to ensure their safety while working on your roof.
- All personnel will be provided with safety information and PPE to ensure safe handling and disposal of lead to avoid the possibility of lead poisoning or contamination of the environment.
Our Partners
We couldn’t have achieved this project without the funding and in-kind support from our Lead Free Kea partners! Thank you to all of the following organisations and individuals - this has been a massive team effort from all of you:
- Dimond Roofing - Provision of non-toxic replacement materials (at cost) and free delivery - "At Dimond Roofing (part of the Fletcher Steel family of brands) we work nationwide manufacturing steel roofing for use in some of our toughest conditions. With a playground as good as the New Zealand wilderness, Dimond is committed to do its bit to help protect and preserve. Lead toxicity in Kea is a problem with a clear solution, so we’re stoked to be helping the Kea Conservation Trust by providing (lead free!) product, technical expertise and a genuine desire to do good. The dedicated team at Kea achieve wonderful things tirelessly and without reward, so I consider it privilege to be involved and do our small bit to help." - Nicholas Wheadon (Head of Sales, Fletcher Steel)
- Bremick - provision of 8,000 fastner sets annually - "Bremick is proud to support the Kea Conservation Trust by supplying screws used in the removal and replacement of lead-head nails. We’re pleased that our products can play a small but practical part in helping protect kea and other wildlife from the risks associated with lead."
