40 years in conservation

For Wanaka-based Department of Conservation manager Stu Thorne retirement could almost be seen as a busman's holiday.

Mr Thorne, 63, announced his retirement from the department this month and will finish at the DOC Wanaka office today, ending a career in conservation and the outdoors that began while working with the former Lands and Survey Department nearly 40 years ago.

He now plans to head to sub-tropical Raoul Island, 1000km north east of Auckland, to undertake volunteer work, mainly clearing the island of weeds, with his wife Heather.

"It used to be known as Sunday Island and in the 1930s and 40s people lived there. While there used to be rats on the island now the biggest problem is non-native vegetation and weeds," Mr Thorne said.

"It is also the site for New Zealand's largest meteorological station and I am hoping to get involved with that."

Mr Thorne moved to Wanaka 37 years ago after working as a ranger at Mount Cook and took up a similar role based entirely in Mount Aspiring National Park.

Early projects included the creation of what are now well-established, high-use walking tracks including the Mt Iron loop track and the route to the Cascade Saddle on Mt Aspiring, both in the 1970's.

The formation of the new Department of Conservation in 1987 brought "huge change for the good" and eventually resulted in the father of two becoming manager of biodiversity threats for the Wanaka office.

Mr Thorne was instrumental in establishing predator control programmes, especially trapping regimes in the Matukituki and Makarora valleys where native bird life was threatened by stoats and rats.

"Getting rid of stoats is a constant battle. We are definitely winning in some areas. It's been really encouraging to see more birds returning to the East and West Matukituki valleys.There are a lot more birds there now and a variety of species."

A joint programme between DOC and the Upper Clutha Forest and Bird Society also ensures the tiny mohua or yellowhead holds its own.

"Predator control is a huge commitment for the department and it takes lot resources," Mr. Thorne said.

There had been several highs during his 37-year career, including the translocation of the Buff weka from the Chatham Islands to Lake Wanaka's Stevenson's Island, a joint project with island Iwi.

Once extinct on the mainland, populations of the birds are now established on several Lakes District islands with the four breeding pairs on Stevenson's Island producing around 30 chicks a year.

Expeditions to Antarctica also ranked highly with the first of eight taken in 1990. At one time he spent three weeks on top of Mt Erebus in minus 40 degree temperatures. "That was the hardest role ever," Mr Thorn said.

Another successful project was the mid 1990s agreement formed between DOC and the New Zealand Alpine Club which saw high country huts including Aspiring, Colin Todd and French Ridge replaced or upgraded.

Mr Thorne said he had enjoyed a long term involvement with Wanaka Search and Rescue, participating in about 300 callouts as a police adviser.

Speaking to school groups also became a passion.

"It's so encouraging seeing young people wanting to become involved in conservation ... I see huge value in talking directly with pupils."

Mr Thorne said he had always enjoyed his work with DOC.

"Now it is time for change. I am fit and healthy and it's time to explore some parts in New Zealand I haven't seen and to enjoy a warm winter."

- © Fairfax NZ News