Kerry McDonald against The Press

The Post published a feature article on August 10, 2024, headlined It’s time for a new dream, 25 years on from saving the first kākāpō.

The story marked the 25th anniversary of Predator Free Whenua Hou/Codfish Island and its role in the Kākāpō Recovery Programme. It also looked forward to the prospect of saving other endangered species with a commitment to make neighbouring Rakiura/Stewart Island pest free as well.

Kerry McDonald complained that the article was misleading as it only told half the story. It failed to refer to the early history of the Kākāpō Recovery Programme or to the organisations critical to the early success of the programme. One of these organisations and a key financial supporter was Comalco where Dr McDonald was managing director. He was surprised and disappointed that the Royal Forest and Bird Society, Comalco and associated people were not mentioned.

The editor of the Press, who commissioned the article, responded that the era referred to in Dr McDonald’s letter was covered in fewer than 200 words of a 2300-word article so much detail was not mentioned.

“This does not make the feature incorrect, just that it focuses on many other matters.”

Former Department of Conservation Chief Executive Lou Sanson, who wrote the article, also responded:

“The article was about an event organised by Southland Conservation Board, Ngai Tahu and DOC to recognise 25 Years of Predator Free Whenua Hou. It wasn't actually about the Kākāpō Programme and I would have needed another entire feature to recognise those that contributed to the success of the Kākāpō Programme".

“I put in some of my personal experiences but with space restriction I couldn't do justice to the Kākāpō Programme. I quoted those that were there speaking on the Kākāpō Programme and the display put up by the Rakiura School". 

“The whole event was set up and funded by Ngai Tahu and Southland Conservation Board to focus on how they had helped the Predator Free vision and it was time for an even bigger vision to take their birds back to a wild population on Rakiura for the first time".

“I received a complaint from an ex-Wildlife Service staff who indicated I didn't credit a number of other staff also that had played parts in the Kākāpō Recovery Programme. I acknowledge Comalco and Meridian have been likewise critical players in the programme.” 

The Media Council notes that Dr McDonald is rightly proud of his critical involvement, as Comalco’s managing director, in support of a programme that has saved a critically endangered species.

This was a story about a celebration at Lee Bay and a specific recovery programme on Rakiura/Stewart Island, which the locals wish to make predator free.  It was an account of the admirable work in saving kākāpō and other endemic creatures generally in a specific locality. It was not a general story about the history of saving kākāpō.  It was very specific to one community, and an event in that community. There is no evidence of inaccuracy.

 This was not a story about how the programme was funded or organised and its failure to mention sponsors or others involved did not make the story misleading.   

Decision:  No grounds to proceed.