DOC says Forest and Bird kākāpō claims wrong
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
The Department of Conservation says claims by Forest and Bird that DOC is proposing to cut specialist and ranger support for its kākāpō recovery programme are wrong.Date: 02 April 2013
The Department of Conservation says claims by Forest and Bird that DOC is proposing to cut specialist and ranger support for its kākāpō recovery programme are wrong.
DOC Director General Al Morrison says field resources dedicated to the kākāpō recovery programme have not changed.
“We currently have two programme managers overseeing 9.5 ranger positions and two kākāpō focused specialists working on our kākāpō and southern islands field work.
"Under the new proposal we will continue to have 9.5 ranger positions and two kākāpō focused specialists doing the same work.
"The difference is they will be led by one senior ranger solely focused on directing this field work, rather than the two management positions in our current structure.
"The kākāpō recovery programme is a good example of the flatter organisational changes DOC is proposing and Forest and Bird claims that specialist science and technical support roles will be cut are simply wrong.
"This proposal is recommending one less management position for a twelve strong team – we think that is a sensible use of scarce resources that will not compromise the recovery programme.”
Mr Morrison says DOC is still consulting with its staff on the proposed new structure and will be considering feedback before taking any final decisions.
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