Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust

I know that you are fascinated by the Monarch butterfly… just like us.

That’s why we need your help.

We want to protect the habitat of butterflies throughout New Zealand.

Members receive four newsletters each year, jam-packed with ideas as to how to help the Monarch, by planting the best sort of nectar flowers, more host plants, and reducing parasites and predators of the Monarch.

The Monarch butterfly has introduced so many people to the wonders of Nature, biodiversity and metamorphosis. It teaches respect for flora and fauna. It adds a special touch to many events – like the Monarch butterfly that blessed a family at a funeral, or touched someone with its sudden appearance in a garden.

In North America, the Monarch butterflies’ home, scientists are concerned for the butterflies habitat. Ice and hail destroyed millions of Monarchs overwintering in the Mexican highlands a few years ago. CNN reported the population was in jeopardy. The National Academy of Sciences predicted a massive die-off with climate change. Development of wilderness destroys milkweed on which caterpillars feed. Pesticides are indiscriminate, killing the milkweed and the butterfly in all stages.

Here in NZ, because the Monarch butterfly is not an endangered species, it is not afforded much air space, time or funding. So it was with considerable concern that we heard that Butterfly Bay (near the Whangaroa Harbour), once the best known overwintering site of the NZ Monarch butterfly, was to be developed. We were concerned that the habitat might be lost forever!

And that was how the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust was born. Will you join us? We hope so.