No more getting soaked, just soaking up the stories.

Daisy has come from Christchurch to join the Kaitiaki Whenua Trainee Ranger programme(external link) at Te Pūkenga NMIT to pursue her career in conservation. She has always had a love for conservation work, volunteering with Bird Rescue Christchurch from a young age.

“Naturally my first choice was the Trainee Ranger programme as I knew it would be the best way for someone who’s super eager to get right into industry with the relevant field skills,” she says.

So far, she loves what she is learning and is absolutely inspired by the level of work put into protecting our most threatened taonga in New Zealand.

“Working on Blumine Island | Oruawairua in Queen Charlotte Sound was really inspiring; seeing our endemic species thrive in an ecosystem free from predators,” Daisy says.

She is grateful to have received the $1000 scholarship and because her programme is ‘fees free’, she has been awarded a voucher to put towards necessary clothing and gear.

“Before getting accepted into the programme, I didn’t have the right gear needed to get stuck into the work. I remember not having a rain jacket and during a planting getting absolutely drenched,” Daisy recalls.

“This scholarship has given me the ability to be properly equipped for each adventure this type of work takes you on.”

Daisy hopes to lead restoration projects and help protect some of our more cryptic species in the future, such as the Canterbury mudfish and long-tailed bat.

“I would absolutely love to continue furthering my education around conservation and soak up the stories and lessons garnered through the workplace,” Daisy said.

The Andy Dennis Forest and Bird scholarship for 2023 was presented by Tim Robson.