Cyclone chaos and further changes

When I wrote my column for the February magazine, no one could have foreseen the dramatic damaging weather events of Cyclone Gabrielle. Volunteers from Supporters helped to clean up the Island and reopened two guiding tracks quickly. Although the Kawerau Track suffered the most damage, it is also now open except for one section. Volunteers and DOC staff worked hard to make it safe for visitors to return.

Several changes in personnel have occurred since the start of 2023. Janet Petricevich has joined the main committee to fill a vacant seat, but we are still looking for a suitable guide and volunteer manager. Debbie Marshall has been filling the role of volunteer manager in the interim. We are also using more volunteers to help spread the workload.

Unfortunately, our editor, has a new job. Lyn has done an excellent job of filling the big boots of Jim Eagles. The magazine has continued to improve and grow under her leadership.

Gloria has announced her intention not to seek re-election this year, after serving as secretary for eight years. She has improved the professionalism of the position and is widely respected by all members of the committee. Neither will I be seeking re-election for 2024, after four years in the position. Although there have been enormous challenges during the past four years, I am confident that the years ahead look more settled. If anyone is interested in leading the Supporters next year, please contact me directly.

April was Takahē Awareness Month so DOC ranger Keith Townsend did daily feeds and talks about the takahē on the Island. The “lighthouse ” takahē are Anatori (female), Tussie (male) and their new chick which is yet to be named. The chick is about six months old; we should know its sex and name in a few weeks.