Talk to a Predator Free Ranger

DJ Neho
Image: DOC

Tena koutou e te whanau,

My name is DJ and I am the Regional Predator Free Ranger for Northern North Island and a Supervisor Ranger for the Kaitaia District.

Born and raised in the Far North I truly appreciate our awesome environment, the amazing views and beaches, the lifestyle, beautiful weather, and our passionate people.

I love listening to Northlands stories, whakapapa and other korero told from our kaumatua and kuia and really enjoy quality time with my family experiencing our wonderful whenua, moana and ngahere. We are so blessed. 

I have a biodiversity background in animal pest control and have been involved in other programmes throughout my years of working for DOC.

I am extremely enthusiastic about protecting our native taonga and see my role in PF2050 as an excellent opportunity to contribute to this in a meaningful way that will make a positive difference.

Ivan Rogers
Image: DOC

About Ivan

"I’ve held a variety of roles in DOC including working with pest fish, being a hut warden and cutting tracks. But most of the time my roles have had something to do with trapping, specifically trapping to increase whio.

"I work with several community groups – some well-established, some just beginning – and it’s so interesting to observe the stages of their progress.

"And one last thing: I’m totally in love with lizards. So feel free to chat to me about them any time!"

Tim Exton
Image: DOC

About Tim

I have worked in varying roles since joining DOC. I have started out as a campsite ranger, worked with the biodiversity team protecting long-tailed bats, and then into the Community Ranger role.

It was working with the long-tailed bat that I became aware of the need to remove predators from the countryside if these special animals are to survive, so the progression into becoming the predator free ranger was an easy one.

Having a community facing role is an enjoyable one. There is never a dull day and my time with people is always positive. Working with the public and volunteers to achieve Predator Free NZ is rewarding and regardless of the size of the task the work always produces positive results either protecting our native fauna or in the social benefits interacting with people out in the outdoors brings.

I have yet to see a live long-tailed bat, but there are always more opportunities as we do our predator free work.

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.