Date:  02 February 2015

Chris Jenkins will retire from the Department of Conservation (DOC) this Thursday after 37 years of public service. Chris’s decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career public service, including over 27 years at DOC.

“Chris was instrumental in the establishment of the Department of Conservation and has made an outstanding contribution at both Bay of Plenty and Northland. Chris has a deep understanding of ecosystems management and has made a huge contribution to positive Iwi relationships for the Department of Conservation," said Lou Sanson, Director General DOC.

“I love DOC, Northland and the people I have had the privilege to work with and after 27 years with DOC, it is time for me to take time for myself and my family,” said Chris Jenkins. “I am looking forward to pursuing my passions outside of public service, but will keep an eye on what is happening from afar.”

Prior to working in Whangarei Chris held a variety of management positions with DOC in the Bay of Plenty including six years as Conservator Bay of Plenty, Conservator Northland and his current role - Director of Conservation Services for the Northern North Island. Chris has been based in Whangarei for the last 11 years.

Some of Chris’s achievements include:

• Spearheading the natural heritage prioritisation project (NHMS) – a DOC prioritization system still used today
• DOC’s acquisition of the Ngunguru Sandspit
• Establishment of the enlarged rural fire district
• Marsden Cross bicentenary
• Progression of the Kauri National Park project
• Establishment of sound and effective iwi relationships
• Completion of treaty settlements
• Leading teams in the upgrade of Cape Reinga and numerous other projects including pest eradications

Chris holds degrees in Forestry and Business Management.

Andrew Baucke will act as Director Conservation Services Northern North Island from late January 2015 (to allow a transition with Chris) through to the end of May 2015.

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