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 started university in Wellington that I became fully indoctrinated into the conservation cause.

Working with passionate individuals and seeing the work of Predator Free Miramar and local community groups made me realise that the dream of having a Predator Free New Zealand by 2050 is possible! Since then, I have worked at Conservation Volunteers New Zealand, Auckland Council and now DOC to help make this dream a reality.

Let’s get to work, kia kaha!

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!

About Cat

My background is in marine and coastal conservation. It was during my time as a ranger working with endangered yellow‑eyed penguins/hoiho that I saw first-hand the devastating impact predators can have on a taonga species that evolved without them. That experience put me on the path to becoming involved in the Predator Free mahi.

I enjoy the practical aspect of trapping and understanding the behavioural ecology of the target pests to improve practices. But, just as importantly, I love supporting communities in this space and helping people build confidence, learn new skills and feel empowered as we work together toward a Predator Free Aotearoa.

About Marianne

I have been fortunate to call the Mackenzie home for over 15 years. I've built a strong connection to this unique landscape and its incredible biodiversity. My background includes many years working with the Kakī (black stilt) Captive Management Team, where I gained valuable experience in captive rearing.

I also welcome any opportunity to support the Biodiversity Team in their field work (plants, birds, freshwater fish, lizards and invertebrates – I love it all). Being involved across these areas keeps me closely connected to the wider ecosystem. And helps me understand the threats and challenges it faces.

A big part of what I love about my role as a Community and Predator Free Ranger is working alongside people. Supporting volunteers and community groups, and engaging with school groups, is incredibly rewarding. Sharing knowledge about our amazing biodiversity and inspiring others to understand how and why they can help protect it, so they can in turn advocate for it, is something I am truly passionate about.

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.