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 Caraline Abbott, a Partnership Ranger based in Rotorua

At work

Getting ready to scuba dive

Some things I do in my job include being the go-to person for intranet and web publishing and media relations.

I work with community groups and try to support them where possible.

I’m also responsible for updating our local publications such as the Rotorua Recreation Guide and have represented DOC at community events.

This helps achieve DOC’s vision by engaging the public in our works and highlighting our successes.

Good communication is the key to everything!

The best bit about my job is getting to go out and meet some of our fantastic volunteer community groups—it’s inspiring!

The awesome-est DOC moment I’ve had so far is walking the Tarawera Trail with the Partnerships team in my second week on the job.

The official opening was the week I started and I was eager to get out and explore, so it was perfect timing.

The DOC (or previous DOC) employee that inspires or enthuses me most is Ron Keyzer because he’s managed to find the perfect balance between fishing and working.

Family time at Lake Rotorua

On a personal note

Most people don’t know that I run a Facebook page called Frugal Kiwi Mum that has nearly 3,000 followers.

Last year, I used to have a radio slot called ‘Frugal Fridays’ and a weekly spot in The Rotorua Daily Post writing about sustainable living, providing money saving tips and frugal recipes.

My stomping ground is the Northern Territory of Australia.

I lived in Darwin for two years before moving to New Zealand and I just love the way of life there. Everybody is so relaxed and down to earth and the scenery is next to none.

Man eating sharks and saltwater crocodiles are my favourite animals and the NT has got plenty of them!

Heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier

Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef

My best ever holiday was when I was 21, I booked myself a ticket to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, LA, Mexico and Toronto and gave myself eight months to see the sights.

I met my now husband in Australia the first week I was away from the UK and I never did complete my trip so you could say I’ve been on holiday since 2006!

We later spent a few months in South East Asia, which was an eye opening experience.

The best piece of news I’ve heard lately is my mum and dad are coming to visit me for Christmas from England!! They haven’t been over since my son was born in 2012 so it’s a long overdue visit.

They want to experience a Kiwi Christmas on the beach, test out some walking trails and also volunteer with pest control operations!

In my spare time I am the Childbirth Education Convener for Rotorua Parents Centre which involves managing the contract with the District Health Board, booking ladies into classes, writing management plans and strategic documents, reviewing educators and writing reports.

Deep and meaningful

Preparing to take a leap of faith at Rotorua Canopy Tours

My favourite quote is ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ – Wayne Gretzky or ‘Fall seven times and stand up eight.’ – Japanese Proverb

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is work hard, play harder.

In work and life I am motivated by karma. What goes around comes around. Work hard and you will reap the rewards.

My conservation advice to New Zealanders is be involved and play your own part. Your role is yet to be defined but conservation is everybody’s responsibility.

Question of the week

Do you have any phobias?

Apart from the obvious ‘something happening to somebody I care about’, despite growing up in rural England, I’m not too fond of sheep! I got chased by one once and those rectangular pupils give them a sinister stare. Never trust a sheep unless it’s on your dinner plate!