Now he's keeping predators away

PATRICK HAMILTON/Fairfax NZ

DREAM JOB: Hudson Dodd is right at home as manager of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.

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Hudson Dodd, the first general manager of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary in Nelson, sees some irony in his new job.

Back in the Northwest United States his role was working for not-for-profit organisations in fundraising to buy large tracts of land for animals such as grizzly bears and wolves.

Here, his new job will involve fundraising to keep predator animals out of the sanctuary land.

Either way, he is an ardent conservationist and that's how the American has found his way to New Zealand and this particular job.

He has just completed his first week in the job in which he will oversee the completion of the sanctuary's development phase, culminating in the building of its pest-proof fence, removal of all introduced pests so native birds can flourish, and developing visitor facilities.

The sanctuary trust's chairman, David Butler, said the trust board considered the appointment of a fulltime general manager as a strong signal that the sanctuary was getting close to achieving its vision to become New Zealand's richest conservation environment for visitors, education and research.

It had strong support from key organisations in the region as well as more than 500 members and 200 active volunteers.

Mr Dodd became one of those volunteers when he and his wife, Dawn Gauthier, a software designer, moved here, and has worked his stint in the weed team.

They came to New Zealand on their honeymoon nearly five years ago and on the plane trip home began scheming about how they could get back. After a long process they gained residency, returning to New Zealand a year ago. They have been in Nelson for four months.

Mr Dodd said he was honoured to have been appointed to the job and finds it startling how good a fit the timing and his skills are to it.

"It's such an exciting project," he said.

He's already feeling at home. "We love Nelson, it's captured our hearts."

Sanctuary project co-ordinator Rick Field said Mr Dodd's background would help take the project to the next level.

"This year we will be firmly focused on raising funds, and will be promoting our successes starting with an open day."

The open day will be at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary in upper Brook St on February 19 from 11am to 4pm, entry free.

- © Fairfax NZ News