Talk to a Predator Free Ranger

Dan O’Halloran
Image: DOC

Kia ora, I’m Dan O’Halloran the PF2050 Regional Ranger for Te Tai Tokerau.

I am a Biodiversity Ranger based at the Pewhairangi/Bay of Islands office in Kerikeri.

I have the privilege of living in the beautiful Puketi Forest where I also volunteer for Kiwi Coast to help protect our many wonderful taonga species.

With over 30 years’ experience in Pest Control as a contractor and working for DOC, I am keen to progress this Predator Free kaupapa throughout the North.

Please get in touch if I can be of any help to you or your group.

I also work on the NMIT Introduction to Predator Trapping 2-day training courses and could help you organise a course in your rohe.

Toitu te Taiao.

Sol Cranna-Smith
Image: DOC

Kia ora koutou!

I’ve always been into Aotearoa’s taonga species and natural environment, however it wasn’t until I start university in Wellington that I became fully indoctrinated into the conservation cause. Working with passionate individuals and seeing the work of PF2050, PF Miramar and local community groups made me realise that the dream of having a Predator Free NZ by 2050 is possible! Since then, I have worked at Conservation Volunteers NZ, Auckland Council and now DOC to help make this dream a reality.

Let’s get to work, kia kaha!

Sol

Freddy Matariki Carr | Image: DOC

Kiia ora koutou!

He uri au nō Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe hoki, ko Freddy Matariki ahau.

I’ve always worked for te taiao, currently I am a Community Ranger based in the Whakatāne rohe.

I love hands on conservation mahi and encouraging others to restore a reciprocal relationship with Papatūānuku. 

Moutohorā is a pest free island, she is alive with tuatara, kiwi, tieke and kēkēnō. Visiting Moutohorā is like going back in time.

It is so meaningful to work on my turangawaewae. I learn a lot from our indigenous biodiversity. I’m excited to learn from those experienced kaimahi in the PF space and share these learnings with our hāpori.

Mauri ora!

Josh Preston
Image: DOC

About Josh

My conservation journey started in 2014 when I became a Friends of Flora (FOF) volunteer in the Kahurangi National Park. I was soon put to good use lugging trap boxes around and doing trap checks. Turned out I absolutely loved doing this kind of work. I applied to do the Trainee Ranger course at NMIT in Nelson, which was a great course. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get into the conservation field.

Fast forward to 2017 and I got a job as a Biodiversity Ranger in the Motueka District. My role includes working with local community groups and managing a stoat trapping and tracking tunnel network.

I am especially passionate about backyard trapping and currently trying to set up a trapping group and trap library down my street. If you want to have a yarn about anything Predator Free 2050 related, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Tim Exton
Image: DOC

About Tim

I have worked in varying roles since joining DOC. I have started out as a campsite ranger, worked with the biodiversity team protecting long-tailed bats, and then into the Community Ranger role.

It was working with the long-tailed bat that I became aware of the need to remove predators from the countryside if these special animals are to survive, so the progression into becoming the predator free ranger was an easy one.

Having a community facing role is an enjoyable one. There is never a dull day and my time with people is always positive. Working with the public and volunteers to achieve Predator Free NZ is rewarding and regardless of the size of the task the work always produces positive results either protecting our native fauna or in the social benefits interacting with people out in the outdoors brings.

I have yet to see a live long-tailed bat, but there are always more opportunities as we do our predator free work.

Kate Hamilton
Image: DOC

I’m a nature lover (particularly, a big fan of birds!) and am passionate about protecting taonga species.

Working with community in the predator free space is really rewarding mahi. I enjoy problem solving challenges, learning about trapping tips and tricks (I’m all ears if you have any to share with me!) and celebrating successes (for which there are many!).

Spending time on predator free islands has made me appreciate the rich level of biodiversity that can be achieved in the absence of predators. I’m optimistic about what can be achieved on the mainland and the wildlife we will see in our backyards in the years to come.