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 Susie Geh, Partnerships Ranger in Queenstown.
At work
Some things I do in my job include:
I am currently working on an education package for the Wakatipu, trying to grow volunteering in the district, being creative with our events, and still processing the odd permit every now and then.
Dancing on the Kepler
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:
There is so much passion for conservation in DOC and my job is to try and share that with the rest of New Zealand. It’s not just about getting more people interested in conservation it’s also about changing people’s perceptions of what being involved in conservation means; you don’t have to be perfect you just have to try and do your bit.
The best bit about my job is:
The people without a doubt. My immediate team are great (and that’s not just because they feed me cake). I’ve also been lucky enough to meet some incredible individuals who are making a real difference to conservation in the community.
Sheep cupcake
The DOC (or previous DOC) employee that inspires or enthuses me most is:
I need to mention two people for this one (maths isn’t my strong point). Firstly it would be the late Barry Lawrence, who was an inspiration as a conservation leader and just a great guy to be around. Everyone who knew him has many entertaining and inspiring Barry stories to tell. Second would be my current boss Greg Lind; his ability to lead, support and listen is incredible and I feel lucky to work for him. Plus he is always game to dress up as a miner/jailbird as required!
With Barry Lawrence in 2009 when I had just started with DOC
On a personal note…
So I am ginger after all
Most people don’t know that:
I am ginger. Oh, um maybe it’s a bit more obvious than I thought. How about that I have a cave in Japan named after me—Susie’s Secret Bonsai Garden (my Dad was a cave diver for many years).
The song that always cheers me up is:
Again my maths will fail as there are a few. Groove Armada “I see you baby”, Mr Scruff “Whalefish Song” and Pharrell Williams “Happy Song” (even more so now it makes me think of dancing on the Kepler).
My stomping ground is:
Currently anywhere we can get to from our doorstep in Arrowtown. I love that I can go for a hike into the hills without even getting in my car.
The best piece of news I’ve heard lately is:
That my family are coming to visit at Christmas. I like it when the world gets smaller again.
My secret indulgence is:
Not a secret and if you have it daily it’s probably not an indulgence but it would have to be chocolate, cake, sweets and anything which involves sugar. I can make a pretty impressive cupcake!
Deep and meaningful…
One of my favourite spots – the Routeburn
My favourite quote is:
“We’re in the stickiest situation since sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.” Blackadder
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
Look forward not back!
In work and life I am motivated by:
Family, friends and I have to give special mention to my partner Wes.
My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:
Protect what you have as we actually have the chance to make a real difference. In 1,000 years I always wonder what New Zealand will look and hope that we’ve had the wisdom to do things differently.
Exploring from my own doorstep – the Crown Range
Question of the week…
As Queenstown is the home of extreme activities—what’s the most ‘extreme’ thing you have ever done?
My version of extreme doesn’t fit the Queenstown stereotype but it would have to be diving in the Marlborough Sounds. It was a beautiful day and I had an awesome dive, one of my deepest ever, when I came up and was on the boat a pod of dolphins surrounded us and as we headed back to shore I swear I saw two blue penguins swim by. That’s my version of extreme—hardcore happiness!
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 Judit Farquhar-Nadasi, Knowledge and Information Advisor in National Office.
At work
Relaxing outdoors
Some things I do in my job include:
Looking after the library: updating subscriptions, buying books, finding articles, tidying and updating the collection, making our library useful for all DOC staff, providing images and giving advice related to images, visiting offices to help with library procedures, making the library services visible…
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:
Supporting research for all DOC staff—helping to find and provide what people need to do a good job.
The best bit about my job is:
Helping people. I really take it seriously and I love to do it well and make a positive difference.
On holiday with my family, we had great fun in a corn maze up North
The loveliest DOC moment I’ve had so far is:
When I received a book from Italy, with a handwritten thank you letter from a researcher who I had helped. (It’s added to our collection).
The DOC employee that inspires me most:
My team, the Information Services Team. We have a healthy working relationship here—working hard, but with plenty of laughs and chocolate.
We support each other well and we are here to help all DOC staff.
This is my great team, the Information Services champs in National Office
On a personal note…
Most people don’t know that:
Originally I wanted to become a psychologist, but I became a high school teacher in Hungary, Budapest (one of the most beautiful cities in the world) instead.
Also, I got a kiss from Leonid Brezsnyev when he came to visit my primary school in Budapest.
And many more things I could tell you over a coffee or two.
If I could trade places with any other person for a week it would be:
Mary Poppins. I would love to travel by umbrella.
My best ever holiday was:
It’s really difficult to choose as I have travelled a lot—all around the world.
It was not really a holiday, but I lived in Russia for half a year as an exchange student when I was at university. It was fun, challenging and very memorable. I love Russia.
If I could be any New Zealand native species:
I’d be a black robin, so I could take a good photo of myself and could add it to DOC’s image library—we really need one! Any native birds actually, so their number would be raised by one!
Black robin
Before working at DOC:
I was working at Victoria University’s library after we came to live in New Zealand. I enjoyed the academic environment—working with so many different people—and I loved my team.
Deep and meaningful…
My favourite quote is:
From a poem written by Rudyard Kipling, If:
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools; …. Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
I love colours. It is not me with green fingers in the family, but I am a great support person.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
“It is not a sprint, it is a marathon”. I still think it’s a sprint though…
In work and life I am motivated by:
My family.
My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:
“Keep calm and carry on”. What advice could I give to you? Coming from Europe, I think you New Zealanders do a much better job than other countries. I think New Zealand is a beautiful country. It is great that people are aware that we can develop our country and preserve its unique natural state as a place for generations to enjoy and treasure.
I love walking on the beach whenever I can
Question of the week…
What would you name an autobiographical book of your life?
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 Jak the conservation dog. Jak is retiring after giving 84 dog years of active service, conserving pest free islands and sanctuaries throughout New Zealand.
Jak and one of his Treasure Islands
At work
Some things I do in my job include:
Me and my handler, Fin Buchanan were one of the earliest teams targeting rodents in the Predator Dog Programme (now known as the Conservation Dogs Programme) for DOC.
Together we have worked on more than 30 pest free Islands and mainland sanctuaries to monitor for pesky mice and rats that threaten to invade. I spent my later years checking gear to help protect the pest free islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:
Making sure no hitch-hikers get a free ride to pest free islands in the Hauraki Gulf. I meet many travellers, contractors and school children while checking their gear and this helps raise awareness of the Treasure Islands biosecurity campaign.
The best bit about my job is:
Like I said to Fin in my exit interview; hunting. Oh, and I’m really going to miss the camaraderie of work colleagues, fans, family and tummy rubs!
Jak and human team on their way to Campbell Island
The awesome-est DOC moment I’ve had so far is… I’ve had quite a few awesome moments with DOC. One of my early journeys was to Campbell Island in the subantarctic region, joining a small human team to test whether the rodent eradication two years before had been successful.
I was also part of a trial by Landcare Research, with my colleague Occi and her human Miriam Ritchie, to determine how effective rodent dogs were at detecting a number of ‘hidden’ rodents at Maungatautari. The results found that us rodent dogs had more than an 80% chance of finding a rodent, if a rodent was present. It was great to show what a powerful tool we are for the protection of fauna and flora, and how we can save the tax payer lots of dollars!
The DOC employee that inspires or enthuses me most is:
My handler Fin. We’ve been a fully certified dog handler team since I was fourteen months old, and with him by my side, we’ve had many adventures and discoveries of the rodent persuasion over these past 13 years.
Jak in his exit interview
On a personal note…
Most people don’t know that:
I have become a bit of a celebrity over my working life and even appeared on TVNZ’s ‘Meet the Locals’.
My family ties include:
Jack the border terrier and Tui the fox terrier—and part of a long line of pups produced to serve in the name of conservation. My brother Tama worked on rabbits and rats on Macquarie Island and in Tasmania.
I still have an eye for the ladies and fathered a litter only a year ago, of which four of the pups are destined to follow in my paw-prints. I am leaving the good conservation work to the very able noses of my offspring Pai and Piri.
Pai and Piri follow in their fathers paw-prints
The song that always cheers me up is:
Elvis Presley, “Hound dog”.
My stomping ground is:
The Coromandel and Hauraki Gulf, but now that I’m retired, I’m moving to Beach Vets in Waihi Beach.
This ideal location will allow me to scout the beach for attractive bitches, have health-care on tap and hang out at the Waihi Beach Hotel—which incidentally has excellent cuisine and music for both (hu)man and dog. Visitors welcome!
Enjoying his retirement in his new home
Deep and meaningful…
My favourite quote is:
“I’m a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.”
― Abraham Lincoln
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
“Don’t scavenge, it makes you sick.”
In work and life I am motivated by:
Rats, mice, tucker, and balls ‘n’ sticks.
My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:
Check/clean your bags, gear and transport for notorious stowaways; seeds, soil, plague skinks, argentine ants and rodents so we don’t ‘truck’ them around the country with us.
As a retirement gift, Jak was given a special Gold Card and Lifetime Conservation Pass
Conservation Dogs In the news
Question of the week…
How are you finding retired life?
I’m loving it! I’ve slotted right in with my new family—Pip Jones at the Beach Vets—and spend my days between the vet clinic and the house.
I’ve been hanging out with Pip’s mum who is recovering from surgery and we have become firm friends. I also enjoy going to watch Cam, Pip’s son, play soccer—although I have to say my ball handling skills are far superior to the team!
I’ve had a few suspicious moments with Crusty the cat, but we’re getting on great now. I also met a very attractive female border terrier at the pub restaurant last Sunday. There could be a romance in the wind!
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).
Guiding at Fox Glacier
Today we profile Cornelia Vervoorn, Partnerships Ranger on the West Coast and recipient of the 2014 Stephen O’Dea Award, a scholarship for DOC staff set up in memory of Stephen O’Dea who died at Cave Creek in 1996.
At work
Some things I do in my job include:
Everything, from falling into mud and gorse while doing grazing inspections, to trying to look knowledgeable when discussing geological sampling.
I also answer questions like “what kind of eggs do stoats lay?”; prepare media releases and social media updates; and help to develop and foster partnerships.
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:
Seeing more people invest their money, time, effort, or other resources, in conservation. We all benefit from being surrounded by healthy, functioning ecosystems and having conservation recreation opportunities as a central part of our lives.
Looking for macroinvertebrates with a student from Whataroa School
The best bit about my job is:
Everyone says this, but he tangata, he tangata, he tangata! It’s the people I work with who make my day. Not just people in DOC, but all those people out there who passionately support conservation efforts.
The other bit is the landscape I work in. It’s pretty hard to feel grouchy when Mt Elie de Beaumont is shining over the river flats and the frosted grasses are steaming in the dawn mist. Or when someone says, “hey, do you want to come along and inspect the tahr campsites in the Adams Wilderness Area?”
The loveliest DOC moment I’ve had so far is:
When one of the teenage students on a week-long Untouched World Charitable Trust education programme at Okarito said to me, “This week has changed my life. I can’t thank you guys enough for sharing this with me”.
We’d worked so hard to make the week challenging enough but not overwhelming—this showed that we hit just the right note.
The DOC employee that inspires or enthuses me most is:
Partnership Ranger Tim Shaw—who says he’s a cynic but has a grand plan to make South Westland weed-free, knows exorbitant amounts about ecology and always suggests a new angle for me to think about curly issues. And he never fails to remind me that there’s more to life than work—thanks Tim!
The South Westland team last year—a great bunch of people to work with!
On a personal note…
Most people don’t know that:
I had a picnic morning tea of louise slice and Milo with the ex-president of Slovakia, Rudolf Schuster, at Castle Rock, Ross Island, Antarctica, to celebrate his 75th birthday.
The song that always cheers me up is:
The Ship Song by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds or Central Reservation by Beth Orton
My stomping ground is:
I grew up in Canberra, Australia, so the Orroral Ridge was a favourite, as was the Kosciuszko Main Range. Especially the walk from Blue Lake via Lake Albina and Mt Kosciuszko to the top of the Crackenback chairlift.
In New Zealand: Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and their névés have been my playground for the last 13 years. I’m also getting to know Kahurangi better now that my parents have moved to Nelson.
If I could be any New Zealand native species I’d be:
A kea. Because they don’t take anything seriously, and get to explore from the mountains to the sea, creating havoc along the way. And I could explain to the other keas that lead roofing nails and green cereal pellets should be left well alone.
Before working at DOC:
I worked as an anthropologist in the Northern Territory in Australia in the late 90s/early 2000s. I then had a complete career change, becoming a glacier guide at Fox Glacier and then at the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska.
This led on to two seasons as Programme Support Assistant at Scott Base. From there I did a season at Whakapapa Ski Field on the Trail Safety Team, and two weeks with Ultimate Hikes on the Milford Track, before being poached by DOC.
1080 Beach, it’s a lovely beach! No pests, either!
Deep and meaningful…
My favourite quote is:
Alone we are born
And die alone
Yet see the red gold cirrus
On snow mountain shine
Upon the upland road
Ride easy stranger
Surrender to the sky
Your heart of anger
– High Country Weather (James K Baxter)
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down” — told to me by Alex Miller, ex-Chief Ranger, Westland Tai Poutini National Park and surrogate uncle.
In work and life I am motivated by:
My wonderful partner Jim Livingstone! And by new opportunities to explore New Zealand and the wider world.
My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:
You don’t know how lucky you are, mate. (Sung in Fred Dagg’s voice). We face problems like deteriorating water quality, species threatened with extinction etc., but the difference between us and so many countries is that we could reverse the downward trend if we had the will and made the effort as a country.
The areas we have that are still largely untouched are of such value not only to us but to the world—we are the lucky custodians of these areas. We should never be tempted to sacrifice these for short term economic gain when they are worth so much more as a lasting source of joy, not to mention “ecosystem services”!
“Ice Stock” – a pretty amazing live music event at McMurdo Base
Question of the week…
What are you most looking forward to as the recipient of the Stephen O’Dea Award?
The award will enable me to attend the IUCN World Parks Congress in Sydney.
I look forward to seeing landscapes and ecosystems during the field trip part of the congress.
Being an Aussie kid, I am partly familiar with these places, but it will be different seeing them through “conservation goggles”.
For example, I love the Australian Alps for their landscapes, from reading “The Silver Brumby” as a 12 year old horse-mad kid, and for the ski trips and bushwalking trips I’ve done there. However, what I don’t know is how the area looks when you consider threatened species and ecosystems, or how these are being protected and valued by Australians.
The Fox Glacier neve—an amazing place to learn to climb!
Today is World Ranger Day, acknowledging the critical work of rangers on the front-line of conservation across the globe.
For us, it’s a chance to celebrate the amazing things that our hard-working rangers do across Aotearoa all year round.
We asked a bunch of our rangers what sort of things they get up to on an average day, and pulled together their responses to bring to you…
A day in the life of DOC’s rangers
9 am
Biodiversity Ranger Jamie Quirk, in Turanganui-a-Kiwa / Gisborne, was acting on a call from a member of the public about a New Zealand fur seal that had been found with its lower jaw removed.
Jamie Quirk investigates the death of New Zealand fur seal / kekeno
“This involved an investigation into the cause of death and then burial of the poor seal. It was smelly, cold, and windy, with no furry, cute critters to be seen.”
9.30 am
Out of the wind and cold, in In Kirikiriroa / Hamilton, Ranger Paul Hardy is hard at work on concession applications, while Ranger Jane Hughes is meeting with Waikato Biodiversity Forum Coordinator, Moira Cursey, to revamp the Memorandum of Understanding between DOC and the Forum.
Paul Hardy working on concession applications
Jane Hughes meeting Moira Cursey, Waikato Biodiversity Forum Coordinator
“The fish pass is designed for eels to move between the lakes in the Serpentine complex,” says Amy.
10 am
At Port Waikato, Hamilton Rangers Carisse Enderwick and Andrew Styche are hanging out with the kids and planting pingao and spinifex at the children’s Beachcare Port Waikato planting day.
Andrew Styche at the children’s Beachcare Port Waikato planting day
Carisse Enderwick at the children’s Beachcare Port Waikato planting day
The weather is looking remarkably different for Tim Paki, doing work further south in the Ruahine Ranges—brrrrr!
Tim Paki ready to work in the Ruahine Ranges
Putting new netting and boards on a bridge near Rangiwahia Hut
10.30 am
At the bottom of the country, Ranger Cheryl Pullar from DOC’s Ōwaka Base is releasing a yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho who has been at Penguin Place for rehab after being found underweight at Jack’s Bay in the Catlins.
Cheryl Pullar releases a yellow-eyed penguin at Jack’s Bay in the Catlins
While in the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre, Simon O’Neill is: Explaining that crampons, ice axes and experience above the snow line are necessary to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and that one of the guided tours is the best option; advising visitors on local walks contingent on weather conditions and their ability and experience; providing directions to the ski fields and advice on road conditions; and selling lots of gloves, shades and beanies over the counter.
Helping to prepare visitors so that they can explore Tongariro National Park safely
11 am
In Rotorua, Partnership Rangers Caraline Abbott, Amanda Vallis and Bella Tait joined staff from across the region to participate in an advanced driver training course.
Staff learnt defensive driving techniques, the importance correct tyre pressure and how ABS (anti-lock braking system) works. They also completed practical driving exercises such as controlling a vehicle in slaloms and correcting over and under steering, check out this video to see their skills in action:
12.30 pm
Ranger Jeff Hall.
All this work builds up an appetite and Ranger Jeff Hall, on Mana Island, is “having a lunch break above the south point seabird colony site on Mana Island while clearing vegetation for artificial burrow installation.
“I’m doing this along with a bunch of volunteers from OMV (oil and gas mining) and FOMI (friends of Mana Island), who are supporting seabird restoration projects at the site.”
12.37 pm
It’s a busy time for the Visitor Centre Rangers at Pōneke / Wellington Visitor Centre—Don Herron, Jesse Butler and Wendy Challis who, in the space of a few minutes: gave directions to the French Embassy; answered phone call about booking a hut in Rimutaka Forest Park; answered phone call about when the bookings for the Routeburn Track open; replied to an email about camping on Matiu/Somes Island; answered phone call about when the bookings for the Milford Track will open; sold a soft toy kiwi (with sound); gave directions to the nearest public toilet; and answered phone call about Rimutaka Forest Park.
Jesse Butler answering a call from the public
Wendy Challis and Don Herron at the Wellington Visitor Centre
2.30 pm
In Hokitika, Ranger Inger Perkins is working on mining issues.
“I met some local people on site, following a small drilling operation undertaken to assess the gold bearing gravels at depth.
“We need to keep the local community informed and to encourage miners to work with them to understand and address their concerns.”
Inger Perkins deals with mining issues in Hokitika
2.50 pm
In the same office, Biodiversity Monitoring Ranger, Cielle Stephens, is reviewing a report on deer pellet monitoring in the Arawhata Valley, South Westland.
Cielle Stephens reviewing a report on deer pellet monitoring
“We’re based in Hokitika, but our team is a national team, with off-shoots in Palmerston North and Invercargill, and we undertake all sorts of biodiversity monitoring to establish what difference management is making.”
3 pm
In Christchurch, Kirsty Percasky is explaining to Girl Guides the importance of getting the roots of lupins out when clearing braided riverbeds.
Kirsty Percasky and Girl Guides clearing braided riverbeds
3.30 pm
At Taiaroa Head / Pukekura in Otago, Wildlife Ranger Sharyn Broni is heading out onto the headland to check the predator traps:
“I’m taking care not to disturb the albatross chicks, their hard-working parents, and other wildlife, as I make my way from trap to trap. I stop and detour to read bands of any adult albatross coming in to feed their chick. Necessary because one missing parent will mean a starving chick without ranger intervention.
Albatross at Taiaroa Head
“Today there are many parents arriving due to the stiff southwester. The rain seems to slide horizontally off the harbour as I continue checking the traps for stoats and rats. There are none. After 40 years of continuous trapping on Taiaroa Head, this is not surprising.”
4 pm
Over in Aramoana, Rangers Tane Belsham, Arnie Elbers and Barry Atkinson are undertaking track maintenance work.
Tane Belsham, Arnie Elbers and Barry Atkinson at Aramoana
In Invercargill, Daryl Eason, Kākāpō Technical Advisor, is teaching kākāpō chicks Heather1, Lisa1 and Rakiura2 to hop on a weighing perch:
“Weighing the chicks daily throughout hand-rearing (and those raised in nests) is the quickest form of health check.
“Up until 45-55 days old the chicks should be putting on weight daily (usually 20-45 grams). Static weight or loss can be the first sign of illness and the cause needs to be rectified before it progresses too far.
Daryl Eason teaches kākāpō chicks to hop on a weighing perch
Daryl Eason teaches kākāpō chicks to hop on a weighing perch
“Teaching kākāpō to be weighed on the swing is very simple and learnt in a few days by the chicks, once they are walking well and have good balance with climbing. They simply learn to step up onto the swing when it’s placed in front of them, initially this may be reinforced with a treat such as a half pine nut.”
4.30 pm
We end our day with Gary Cocker, Visitor Centre Supervisor at the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre on Stewart Island/Rakiura.
4.30 pm: It is closing time but a large family with 5 children have just arrived, so I leave them to play and create havoc in the Interpretation Room while I go outside to bring in the signs.
4.35 pm: I usher the children and parents out the door. It has been a perfect winter’s day, cool but with clear blue skies, and in the morning they flew across to the other side of the island and back. They are bubbling with joy and the beauty of what they have seen.
4.40 pm: Inside I have to focus on more mundane matters such as balancing the day’s banking.
4.50 pm: I just finish the banking when a local appears at the window. I had promised to check the name of a shrub for him. With a sample in hand and plant books open we quickly confirm that it is mountain cottonwood (Ozothamnus Vauvilliersii) common in coastal to montane shrubland on Rakiura/Stewart Island.
4.55 pm: I take the recycling (and the local) out.
5.00 pm: It’s time to close up. I have the privilege of turning the lights out in the southernmost DOC office in New Zealand.
Ranger Gary Cocker turning out the lights at the end of the day in the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre
A message to us all from HRH Duke of Cambridge this World Ranger Day
