My dog Ajax

My Dog Ajax introduces us to two friends taking an innovative approach to kea conservation in the hopes that together they can make a real difference in the fight for kea survival.

Corey Mosen is one of only a handful of kea conservationists in New Zealand, covering from Mount Aspiring near Wanaka all the way to the top of the South Island, looking for kea.

But he doesn't do it alone. His dog Ajax is the only kea conservation dog in the world, accompanying him into unchartered and remote parts of New Zealand, sometimes travelling for days without finding a single nest. Through these long and tough journeys, Corey and Ajax rely on each other for companionship and support.

But why do they do it? Because the kea population is declining. The Department of Conservation estimates numbers of the native bird could be as low as 1,000, mostly due to stoats and possums attacking and killing eggs and chicks.

Our film takes you into the field with Corey and Ajax as they search for the kea nests and carry out their valuable research.

We are so excited to have been selected to make My Dog Ajax with the generous support of the Loading Docs initiative, along with principal partner NZ on Air, the New Zealand Film Commission, and Te M?ngai P?ho.

Loading Docs will provide us with $4000, as well as support to make this documentary the best it can be - but only if If we can reach our $2000 funding target. If we are able to raise our stretch target of $8000 we will be able to get to other locations so this story can be even better and support our native birdlife conservation efforts more!

Thank you for taking the time to review our project - every donation counts so we really appreciate your support. 

ABOUT US:

Michael Weatherall (Director) has long wanted to tell the NZ kea conservation story, having assisted New Zealand crews filming the South Island, and helping with the kea kites initiative.  He is looking forward to flexing his years of film making experience in this project.

Cecilia Shand (Producer) by day helps NZ companies grow bigger, better, faster, and by night is a fashion designer, radio DJ, keyboardist, and small time tech entrepreneur. She loves helping artists produce beautiful things that show the mana of their creator.