DOC ranger Emma moves to another island after 4.5 years

Emma Dunning has become a familiar face on Tiritiri Matangi. Dawn Chorus posed some questions to her before her departure to Motuihe/Te Motu-a-Ihenga in early February.

Have you been posted to an island before?

Yes, I have had the privilege of carrying out volunteer and short-term mahi/work on a number of islands but was one of the resident island rangers on Matiu/ Somes Island in Wellington Harbour for four and a half years.

What is it about island conservation that appeals?

Tiritiri Matangi is a special place for me and my family. One of my brothers, Shaun, was Ray’s first official assistant ranger in the 90s, so I used to volunteer here as a teenager. Ray, Barbara and Tiritiri Matangi played a huge part in my decision to work in conservation. It has been amazing to return here as one of the rangers.

I am drawn to islands in particular because of the variety of the mahi. No two days are the same. I get to work and live people’s dreams for the future of Aotearoa, mammalian predator-free, dominated by manu, moko and mū / birds, reptiles and insects. Islands are a lot of mahi and a huge responsibility but an absolute privilege to be part of.

What have you learned while you’ ve been on Tiritiri Matangi?

To create 3D cakes! (Emma's cakes are legendary, eg, the celebratory lighthouse - Ed).

What have been your highlights?

So many! But a few that stand out:

• Seeing the school kids getting on the ferry at the end of the day with wide eyes, big smiles and tired legs.

• Playing the diaphonic foghorn.

• Getting to experience the Island through the lockdowns. It is so rare for there to be only two people on the motu for such extended periods of time. It was truly special to have the opportunity to slow down and really tune into the motu and all that call it home.

• Getting to know the individual personalities of the Island’s takahē.

• Seeing Ray’s face after the inside of the lighthouse had been painted.

• The really stormy days, witnessing the power of nature, and the spirit of the flora and fauna to take it all in their stride.

• Working alongside all the volunteers and with the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi. So much knowledge, so much history, so many stories, so much fun, so many swims.

• And I won’t forget all the cakes, and amazing afternoon teas.

What about lows?

The lockdowns. Overall, they were an amazing personal experience, but they weren’t easy. The beauty of Tiritiri Matangi is its accessibility, and its role in advocacy for conservation and Aotearoa is huge. Allowing people to experience and connect with nature and the amazing wildlife that call the motu home has always been a guiding principle. The Island feels different with and without humans.

Anything else you wanted to add?

A huge thank you to the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi for all the help, support and guidance. I am leaving still in love with this motu and proud of what has been achieved. The Island speaks for the mahi of the collective effort, care and passion of all who are involved. We are all so lucky to have Tiritiri Matangi as part of our lives; it is a place that never leaves you.