What a Great New Zealander

Our Kiwi Habitat Protection Ranger Jono Walter received a package earlier this week, he chucked it in his ute and forgot about it as was busy overseeing a trap install jhob for our mates at East Taranaki Environment Collective and guess what was inside when he opened it today! His nominator said the following of him and we wholeheartedly agree! “Jono Walter is keeping Kiwi safe with his inspiring approach to pest control. The Taranaki Kiwi Trust Ranger has worked to eradicate 1615 pests from the dense 7000 hectare Omona site this year – an astonishing increase from the previous year’s trapping of only 12 pests. With the installation of high-quality traps and working with neighbouring land owners, Jono has united the community to help create a haven for Kiwi being released. A natural motivator, Jono encourages his team with his selfless leadership that sees him hiking steep countryside with heavy equipment in freezing conditions for hours on end. Known equally for his quiet reserve and wicked sense of humour, Jono’s one of a kind. His determination is paving the way for success for our native birdlife. Jono now goes into the pool for a national award, the top 10 in each category will be announced, next year, we will keep you posted! You can access the rest of the Taranaki Local Hero winners here at the Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the Year website ” https://nzawards.org.nz/awards/new-zealand-local-hero-year/2023-medallists/?region=19&year=2023&category=#finalists