Aotearoa, renowned for its abundance of unique birds, has created a reputation as a country that cherishes and safeguards its wildlife, including numerous endangered bird species.
However, amidst this backdrop of care and conservation, an exception emerges in the Tarāpunga or Red-Billed Gull. Despite its vulnerable status, since 2019, instances of human-inflicted harm on Tarāpunga have occurred, driven by the perception that they are pests.
The stark contrast in treatment of the Tarāpunga poses the question: What underlines this prejudice?
In this context, speciesism discusses animal ethics and refers to the human-held belief that a particular animal is inferior based on their species.
The Paper Bird Project explores how literature can teach the promotion of empathy and understanding in childhood to break the cycle of speciesism for future generations.
Focused on the relationship between children and Tarāpunga in Tāmaki Makaurau, it aims to nurture empathy through literature
Through selling a collection of illustrated kid's books from different New Zealand authors and illustrators, The Paper Bird Project will advocate for the "less loved" native bird species of Aotearoa through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, collaboration, and active conservation. A portion of the money raised will go directly to active conservation projects.
The first instalment of this collection is The Little Tarāpunga by Stephanie Townend.
The Little Tarāpunga will introduce the Tarāpunga as a heroine and a positive character in children's literature. The book's overall goal is to create a personal or nostalgic experience between a child and Tarāpunga so they are more likely to show empathy towards them in adulthood.
Acknowledging Mātauranga Māori has enriched and given life to this story and project.
I express my gratitude to my peers and stream coordinator, Gabriela Baron. Without their help and support, this project would not have been possible.
