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 Yang Gan, Publishing Assistant based in Wellington.
Getting some snaps near the trig at Mataikona
At work
Some things I do in my job include… anything and everything that helps DOC produce great looking publications, from brochures, to posters, to banners, to reports, to maps and everything else in between.
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by… presenting information clearly for staff and the public to understand.
The best bit about my job is… getting to meet and work with all the great DOC staff around the country.
The scariest DOC moment I’ve had so far is… being fairly new and cooped up in an office all day, there aren’t too many rock falls to watch out for or possum traps to clear, but I was able to take the great opportunity to tidy the carpet under my desk when the big earthquake hit last year.
The DOC (or previous DOC) employee that inspires or enthuses me most is… there is not just one, everyone in DOC is dedicated to saving, conserving and growing New Zealand’s special nature and wildlife.
Relaxing on Lake Arrowhead
On a personal note
Most people don’t know that I… am allergic to nuts…please don’t give me any nuts.
The song that always cheers me up is… Peaches by Presidents of the United States of America. Who wouldn’t love a song about peaches!
My best ever holiday was… when I spent four months backpacking around the east coast of the USA and Europe in 2012. It was amazing to meet all the different people and explore the world, eat the food, see the sights! It all started with celebrating Fourth of July in L.A. then being recruited into a sailing race at Lake Arrowhead, camping out in Yosemite National Park, watching Usain Bolt set a new Olympic record and win the 100 metre final in London, relaxing all day on the pebbly beaches of the Mediterranean, getting over 200 km/h while driving down the autobahn and cycling through the beautiful country side of Slovenia.
Enjoying the beach in Nice
My greatest sporting moment was when… I was selected into the Central New Zealand badminton team and we travelled to Perth to compete in the Under 18 Australasian champs, where we came away with a lovely medal for runners up. It was the best result the team had ever achieved.
In my spare time I… get out and play some sport, whether it’s football, badminton or out on my bike. But if all else fails, I’ll be at the pub.
My secret indulgence is… a nice glass of port.
Coaching the Hutt Valley junior badminton teams
Deep and meaningful
My favourite quote is… When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did–in his sleep. Not yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is… just relax, things will sort themselves out.
In work and life I am motivated by… people that are friendly and smile! No one likes a grouch.
My conservation advice to New Zealanders is… look around you and appreciate what we have, otherwise one day it may not be there anymore.
Taking in the surroundings while cycling to Bohinj Lake, Slovenia
Question of the week…
If you were immortal for a day, what would you do and why?
I would go running with the lions. Who wouldn’t want to experience the big cats up close and personal?
