Come behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Today we profile Mana Gemmell, Ranger, Visitor Assets in Opotiki.
Mana, right, and Rooster (former DOC staff member) at Te Waiti Hut in 2009
At work
Name: Irimana (Mana) Gemmell
Position: Ranger, Visitor Assets – Pakihi Cycle track cutter
Office: Opotiki Base
Some things I do in my job include … Improvising, using initiative, lateral thinking with minimal resources, and strategic planning.
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by … minimising costs budget wise, and using resources at a minimal cost to DOC.
The best bit about my job is … working unsupervised and independently.
The awesome-est DOC moment I’ve had so far is … spending quality time with my son, passing on the skills I possess, including the above.
The DOC (or previous DOC) employee that inspires or enthuses me most is … Pete Livingstone – we have an understanding that stems back some 30 years.
Gisborne/Whakatane staff area team ride of the newly formed National Cycleway Pakihi Track
On a personal note
If I could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional – it would be … Hone Harawira – Mana Party!
My best ever holiday was … visiting whanau with our son in Wairoa.
My greatest sporting moment was when … my moko won the soccer trophy for outstanding player of the year.
The best piece of news I’ve heard lately is … my other moko passing her mid-term exam and cracking all her units with excellence and merit.
Mana and son Ben after load testing Tauranga Bridge
If I could be any NZ native species I’d be … a tuatara.
My secret indulgence is … got none. Open and above board.
If I wasn’t working at DOC, I’d like to … train as a ranger. I believe I already have the skills, experience and capabilities.
Before working at DOC I … worked with youth and correction referrals, youth justice, and schools.
My favourite quote is … “Aroha ki te tangata”.
Mana, Dave Lynn and two volunteers assessing the slip on the Nikau Flat Track
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is … be true to yourself and do well by your fellow man.
In work and life I am motivated by … whanau. To aspire to the best of my abilities in all that I do as an example and role model.
My conservation advice to New Zealanders is … our land (Papatuanuku) and the environment is precious. Take care of it. “The land owns us – we don’t own the land”.
Opotiki staff social fun day at Rotorua Zip Lining – Mana on far right
Question of the week
Which actor would you pick to play you in a movie about your life? Bruce Willis or Temuera Morrison. Someone who doesn’t muck around – someone who gets in and gets the job done.
What do you mean you want to borrow the Cormidi?
Great attitude!