People Helping Nature Podcast

After 20 years leading Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, Karen Fifield is preparing to step down as Chief Executive. So we sat down with her to ask a simple question: What has a lifetime in zoos taught her? Her answer reaches far beyond the animals that visitors see. It’s about conservation, technology, ethics, diversity in the workplace, animal welfare, storytelling, and learning to share the planet with other living beings. Karen reflects on what animals have taught her about authenticity, why good zoos must be built around care and trust, and why facts alone rarely change how people see the world. As she puts it, “we’re storytellers as human beings, we are not fact collectors.” This is a thoughtful conversation about animals, people, and the role of good zoos in a changing world. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: What animals taught Karen during her time at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo Lessons from observing animal behaviour Chimpanzee leadership styles and what we can learn from them The evolution of zoos towards conservation organisations How technology shapes conservation research and outcomes Why Karen cares so much about animal welfare The 5 domains of animal welfare What Karen has learned about leading people in a ‘heart-based’ profession How to empower staff to do their best work for animals The changing role of women in zoos, conservation, and leadership Why storytelling is more powerful than facts alone The evolution of technology in the zoo sector Karen’s outlook for the future of zoos and technology And much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe for emails here: www.conservationamplified.org 👩About Karen: Originally from Australia, Karen’s zoological career began at Taronga Conservation Society Australia and Zoos Victoria before she joined Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo in 2006. In June 2026, Karen will step down as Te Nukuao Chief Executive after 20 years in the role. Alongside her Chief Executive role, Karen was also the President of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) and was the most recent President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) before she completed her term in October 2025. In 2023, Karen was recognised as one of the Power 10 Zoo and Aquarium Blooloop Top 50 Influencers internationally, and in 2016 became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit MNZM for services to Business and Animal Welfare. Under Karen’s leadership, Te Nukuao has celebrated many achievements. In 2009, Te Kōhanga The Nest, a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, opened. The Zoo was the first Toitū carbon zero-certified zoo in the world in 2013 and won the inaugural WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award in 2018. 🔗Learn more: Website: www.wellingtonzoo.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/wellington.zoo Facebook: www.facebook.com/WgtnZoo 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

One day, hearing kiwi call from your backyard could be normal again. To many New Zealanders, kiwi are our national icon - but not a bird they’ve actually seen or heard in the wild. Throughout Aotearoa, translocations are helping bring kiwi back from endangered to everywhere. In this episode, we sit down with Tineke Joustra, Operations Manager & Population Biologist at Save the Kiwi to explore how kiwi are being returned to places where they once lived - and why people are the key to ensuring they thrive. At first glance, a translocation might sound simple: move kiwi from one safe place to another. But as Tineke explains, it takes years of planning, predator control, monitoring, dog management, iwi and hapū relationships, community support, and a shared long-term vision before kiwi can be returned safely. Because when kiwi come back, they do more than boost population numbers. They can become “the carrot” that motivates people to go the extra mile. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: How current kiwi population numbers compare to historical estimates Why kiwi populations declined drastically What kiwi translocations are and how they work Save the Kiwi’s Kōhanga Kiwi Strategy How safe sites can help grow kiwi populations for future release What makes a landscape ready to receive kiwi Why relationships are central to successful translocations The role of iwi, hapū, neighbours, landowners and community groups How kiwi populations could eventually reconnect through safe habitat corridors Case Studies: Capital Kiwi & Waiheke Island translocations The importance of bringing kiwi closer to our backyards to restore our connection And much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe for emails here: https://ww.conservationamplified.org 👩About Tineke: Tineke Joustra is a conservation scientist with more than two decades of experience working with New Zealand wildlife. As the Operations Manager and Population Biologist for Save the Kiwi, Tineke merges science and logistics to lead the national strategic framework for kiwi conservation across Aotearoa. Her portfolio spans translocations, kōhanga management, population modelling, research/innovation, and driving excellence in best-practice standards. She is committed to building robust, science-based strategies in partnership with iwi/hapū and community projects to establish the best possible long-term decisions for kiwi recovery. 🔗Learn more: Website: savethekiwi.nz Save the Kiwi Kōhanga Kiwi Strategy: savethekiwi.nz/about-us/what-we-do/kohanga-kiwi Report a kiwi sighting: savethekiwi.nz/report-a-kiwi Kiwi avoidance training: kiwiavoidancetraining.nz Support: donate-save-a-kiwi.raiselysite.com 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

In times of heavy rainfall, water can rush off farmland, carrying soil, nutrients and contaminants into waterways - and adding pressure downstream. In this episode, we sit down with Laura Simpson from the Mangaone West Catchment Group to learn how detainment bunds help improve water quality alongside more familiar methods such as fencing off waterways, riparian plantings and wetlands. Laura explains how understanding your local landscape, soil type, and water quality testing insights is crucial when deciding which tools to use for improving stream health. We also talk about the broader catchment-wide mindset and the importance of working together from source to sea to create resilience in our landscapes. Ultimately, healthier waterways means healthier farms, ecosystems, and communities. Detainment bunds are not a silver bullet. But in the right places, they can help slow water, reduce sediment loss, protect wetlands, and keep more soil and nutrients on the land where they belong. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: What detainment bunds are and how they work. How detainment bunds can help slow floodwater and reduce sediment loss. Why soil type and local landscape knowledge matter. The importance of regular water testing. How detainment bunds can work alongside wetlands, riparian planting and fencing. Why reducing sediment upstream benefits waterways further downstream. The importance of catchment-wide collaboration. Conservation outcomes and swimmable rivers. And much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe for emails here: www.conservationamplified.org 👩About Laura: Laura Simpson is the Mangaone West Catchment Group’s leader, a rural professional, on the Manawatū River Catchment Collective’s committee, and part of the family farming operation. Planting and protecting wetlands on her family farm led to getting involved in the Mangaone West Catchment Group and eventually taking on the leadership role. With a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science, and a Masters in Agricultural Science, Laura understands the importance of data driven decision making for projects within the catchment group. 🔗Learn more: Website: https://manawatu-river-catchments-collective.co.nz/mangaone-west-catchment Detainment Bund Consultancy: https://www.detainmentbund.co.nz 🎙️About the podcast: The People Helping Nature podcast is brought to you by Conservation Amplified, a registered New Zealand charity. We are on a mission to help make conservation mainstream by amplifying the awesome stuff people are doing to help nature all around Aotearoa New Zealand. Because when people are aware, connected to the ecosystems around them and care enough to take positive action, only then will we see lasting change. Listen in and follow us to start or deepen your journey. Find out more about Conservation Amplified at www.conservationamplified.org .

How do you mobilise a nation for nature? Most New Zealanders say nature matters to them. But care alone isn’t creating the level of action needed to protect it. In this episode, we sit down with Vicki Connor, Chief Advisor Public Affairs at the Department of Conservation, for a deep dive into DOC’s “Always Be Naturing” campaign - the public-facing platform for its wider Mobilising for Nature programme. Informed by audience research, the campaign is built around a persistent challenge: if people already care, how do you turn that care into meaningful action at scale? The research also revealed a disconnect - most New Zealanders believe nature is doing relatively well. In reality, the situation is far more fragile, with 4,000+ native species threatened or at risk of extinction. We unpack what the campaign is actually trying to do, why DOC chose to broaden the frame from “conservation” to “naturing”, and how connection to nature can become a more accessible entry point for the people and businesses who care but don’t yet know where they fit in. We also explore more broadly how nature should be communicated in Aotearoa if we want to reach beyond the already-converted and make it easier for communities, businesses, and everyday people to participate. This conversation is especially relevant for people working in conservation, communications, behaviour change, community engagement, and anyone curious about where nature storytelling in New Zealand is heading next. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: What Always be Naturing is and how it fits into DOC’s wider Mobilising for Nature programme Why the gap between caring and doing is such a major challenge How research and audience insights informed this campaign Why DOC is focusing on connection, relevance, and everyday action Reaching younger and urban audiences without losing the bigger picture Changing perceptions about the state, role and value of nature in our everyday lives and society And much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe for emails here: https://ww.conservationamplified.org 👩About Vicki: Vicki is a Londoner who proudly calls Wellington home these days. She’s spent her career working across communications, marketing, brand, and behaviour change programmes both in and out of the public sector. Nature and the environment are her thing. She spent five years as Director Communications and Engagement at the Ministry for the Environment, before heading to DOC as the Director of Customer Engagement. Now in the Chief Advisor role, Vicki works across Public Affairs and is leading DOC’s programme to mobilise New Zealanders for nature – a project she describes as the most exciting thing she has ever had the privilege to be a part of. Her happy place is getting sweaty in nature. Her favourite bird is the kaka, although she is quite partial to a blackbird. 🔗Learn more: Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docgovtnz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/docgovtnz 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

Australian brush-tail possums are one of the most widespread and damaging introduced pests in Aotearoa New Zealand, with an estimated ~30 million around the country. They are wreaking havoc on both our native plants and animals, and they put pressure on our ecosystems, farms, and the wider economy. Most of the time, we respond by suppressing possum numbers. But on Banks Peninsula, a different approach is taking shape. In this episode, we sit down with Ollie Rutland-Sims from Pest Free Banks Peninsula to learn about their possum elimination programme: A bold mission, strategically working to drive possum numbers to zero in their area under the ethos that “offence is the best defence”. As Ollie explains, “we're now dealing with quite a legacy problem and a population that really, the only checks and balances on it are coming from human inputs” Ollie shares Pest Free Banks Peninsula’s 4-stage elimination strategy: Knock-down → mop-up → surveillance → and lastly the defence phase after a block of land has been declared possum-free. It’s an approach that’s working, with 5,800 hectares already declared possum-free - and could be used as blueprint for possum elimination throughout the country. We also talk about mindset and the need to constantly deliver professional, spot-on work for this elimination approach to work: Continuous learning about your target species and constant improvments are key to success. Amazingly the benefits of this mahi reach far beyond positive biodiversity and conservation outcomes, with local farmers, community, and the economy also gaining. This project shows that eliminating a pest species in an open system on the mainland is not only achievable but also an investment in the future. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: Why brush-tail possums were introduced into NZ. Why they’re such a big threat to our native flora and fauna. The benefits of possum elimination vs. supression. Their 4-phase elimination approach. How reinvasions are managed in an open mainland system. The long term cost savings of elimination vs. suppression. The importance of social license and relationships with private landowners. What to do when you see a possum on the Banks Peninsula. And much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe here: www.conservationamplified.org 🧑‍🦱About Ollie: Ollie Rutland-Sims works for the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust as an Operations Coordinator within their Pest Free Banks Peninsula program, leading field teams working toward landscape-scale possum elimination near Akaroa, Banks Peninsula. With a background in practical, boots-on-the-ground conservation, Ollie combines operational planning with hands-on experience in wildlife management. He’s passionate about improving field efficiency, supporting strong team culture, and delivering meaningful conservation outcomes for Aotearoa. 🔗Learn more: Website: https://www.pestfreebankspeninsula.org.nz Report a possum: https://www.survey123.arcgis.com/share/b152f02a20e14959a80c97917cc669d1 🎙️Learn more about the People Helping Nature Podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

In this episode, we sit down with Helen Jamieson from The Forest Bridge Trust to explore one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most elusive and lesser-known birds: the matuku-hūrepo, or Australasian bittern. Matuku-hūrepo are large, remarkable wetland birds - apex predators, masters of camouflage, and an indicator species of wetland health. But they are also in serious trouble. With less than 1000 remaining in New Zealand, it has been said that “we are the last generation that can save the bittern.” Helen shares what makes them so special, why they’re so hard to spot, and the major challenges they face - from habitat loss and declining food sources to car strikes and introduced predators. We also talk about why bittern can be such a powerful species for community conservation. When people understand what matuku-hūrepo are, how rare they are, and what they need to survive, they often want to help. That can mean restoring wetlands, getting involved in local projects, or taking part in the Great Matuku Muster - a nationwide citizen science effort to monitor booming males during the breeding season. Helen reminds us that she’s not a scientist or long-time species expert. She’s a caring local who became fascinated by bittern, got involved, and followed that curiosity into action. This is a conversation about a remarkable bird, the wetlands it depends on, and how communities can rally around both. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: Matuku-hūrepo (Australiasian Bittern): their adaptations, threats, and conservation status Why Matuku-hūrepo need healthy wetlands to thrive Benefits of wetland restoration beyond threatened species conservation How to activate a community in the name of conservation How Helen got involved through The Forest Bridge Trust The tiny wetland that Helen's family is restoring on their property, and what they're learning from it The Great Matuku Muster - a nationwide initiative to monitor bittern numbers And much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe for emails here: https://www.conservationamplified.org 👩About Helen: Helen has lived in the Matakana region for more than 13 years with her husband and their two daughters. She has a background in business and community projects and has also been involved in managing the Matakana Markets. Helen and her family have been actively controlling predators (rats, stoats, possums, wasps, etc.) and restoring the wetland on their own land. She began working with The Forest Bridge Trust in 2022 and is project manager for the DoC-funded project to facilitate community conservation to protect matuku hūrepo, tara iti and pāteke on Te Korowai O Te Tonga peninsula (South Head). 🔗Learn more: Website: https://www.theforestbridgetrust.org.nz The Great Matuku Muster: https://lovebittern.com/take-action/the-great-matuku-hurepo-muster Our tiny wetland (Helen’s project): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581256861699

Today, we have a big announcement to share. This year, between June and August, we’re setting off on an 11-week conservation storytelling adventure - cycling the entire length of the Danube River. From its source in southern Germany all the way to the Danube Delta around the Romania-Ukraine border, we’ll be riding more than 2,800km in the name of conservation. We’re calling the journey Cycling for Conservation. Along the way, we’ll be carrying everything on our bikes, meeting conservationists and communities connected to the river, and sharing their stories as we go. The Danube is the world’s most international river, flowing through ten countries before reaching the Black Sea. For us, this is more than just an adventure. Our mission with Conservation Amplified and the People Helping Nature Podcast is to Make Conservation Mainstream, and we believe that adventure storytelling can help bring more people along for the journey and get them interested in conservation. We’ll be documenting the expedition through podcast episodes, social media content, YouTube, and our newsletter - sharing the people, projects, and wildlife we encounter along the way. If you’d like to follow along, make sure you’re following Conservation Amplified on social media, and sign up for our newsletter at www.conservationamplified.org . We’d love to have you along for the ride. 🚴‍♂️🌍 Follow along here: Subscribe for emails: https://www.conservationamplified.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConservationAmplified Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conservationamplified Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conservationamplified TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@conservationamplified LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conservation-amplified

Most of our relationship with the ocean happens on the surface. We sail it, fish it, surf it and photograph it. But beneath that glistening blue is a world many of us barely understand - and one that is changing fast. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hathaway from Young Ocean Explorers to explore a powerful idea: if we help kids fall in love with the ocean, we can change how we treat it within a generation. After decades spent diving, filming and documenting marine life, Steve had a lightbulb moment when his daughter shared a short ocean video with her class. The reaction from those kids sparked what would become Young Ocean Explorers - a mission to reach every child in Aotearoa with hopeful, curiosity-driven ocean storytelling. We talk about eco-anxiety, the impact of screens, the decline of kelp forests, and why “out of sight, out of mind” has allowed marine degradation to accelerate. We also unpack how targeting kids can influence whole families, and why storytelling - not shame - is key to bringing more people along. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: Why this generation are not just digital natives, but environmental natives living with real eco-anxiety Steve’s personal journey to becoming an ocean advocate How a school project helped launch Young Ocean Explorers The power of storytelling and curiosity to spark lasting engagement Why targeting teachers became a game-changing strategy The “One Plus A Day” story and how kids can drive real-world behaviour change Kelp forests, kina barrens and witnessing rapid ecosystem decline Why we need courage and vision for marine protection How to communicate conservation without alienating people Practical advice for parents wanting to reconnect kids with nature What it means to be a good ancestor for the ocean And so much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe for email updates here: www.conservationamplified.org 🧑‍🦱About Steve: An ‘accidental’ underwater cameraman, Steve left his job as a builder nearly 20 years ago to share the stories of New Zealand’s underwater world. He traded hammering nails for swimming alongside orca and sharks, going on to film for some of the world’s most celebrated nature documentaries, including BBC’s Blue Planet II, Mammals, and Disney’s Emmy-winning Secrets of the Whales. In 2013, Steve and his then 12-year-old daughter, Riley, co-founded Young Ocean Explorers. What started as short stories for kids’ television has since evolved into an online platform and education resource, used by thousands of classrooms across Aotearoa to inspire the next generation of ocean guardians. 🔗Learn more: Website: https://www.youngoceanexplorers.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngoceanexplorers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngoceanexplorers 🎙️Learn more about the People Helping Nature Podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

Beneath the surface, Aotearoa New Zealand’s oceans are under growing pressure. We’re taking too much good stuff out, putting too much bad stuff in, and the system is warming faster than it can adapt - with dire consequences that are often overlooked and ignored. In this episode, we sit down with Shaun Lee for an honest conversation about the state of our marine environment. Despite being an ocean nation, less than 1% of our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) is fully or highly protected, placing us among the worst-performing countries globally. We are missing the UN benchmark that aims for 30% protection by 2030 BY FAR, and this is reflected in the declines we’re seeing in ocean health. While the picture is confronting and politically driven, there is genuine reason for hope. We also explore how marine ecosystems can recover when pressure is reduced, and how a combination of passive and active restoration shows promise in places like the Hauraki Gulf. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: The overall state of Aotearoa NZ’s marine environment. The key drivers of biodiversity decline and habitat loss. Why NZ is one of the worst countries when looking at marine protected areas. Why reconnecting to the past to understand what diversity we used to have is important to grasp what we have lost. The importance of marine reserves for biodiversity and awareness. The difference between passive and active restoration. How active restoration fast-tracks ocean recovery + examples. How citizen science can contribute to monitoring ocean health. And so much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe here: www.conservationamplified.org 🧑‍🦱About Shaun: Shaun Lee is an Auckland-based environmental advocate and creative professional dedicated to marine restoration, pollution prevention, and large-scale ecological interventions within New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems. By leveraging his visual communication skills, he champions the protection and restoration of marine habitats. Shaun serves as a Trustee for several eNGOs, including the Revive Our Gulf Trust and the Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust. 🔗Learn more: Shaun’s blog: https://blog.shaunlee.co.nz/about Shaun’s sea floor mapping platform: https://seafloor.nz Hauraki Gulf Forum: https://gulfjournal.org.nz Revive Our Gulf Trust: https://ww.reviveourgulf.org.nz Northern NZ Seabird Trust: https://www.nzseabirdtrust.com 🎙️About the podcast: The People Helping Nature podcast is brought to you by Conservation Amplified, a registered New Zealand charity. We are on a mission to help make conservation mainstream by amplifying the awesome stuff people are doing to help nature all around Aotearoa New Zealand. Find out more about Conservation Amplified at www.conservationamplified.org .

In this episode, we sit down with Keith Woodley (MNZM) from Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, to unpack the incredible lifestyles of shorebirds, their habitats, and the work people are doing to protect them. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: Shorebird adaptations and why some of them migrate from the Arctic Tundra to NZ. The diverse range of shorebird habitats worldwide and in Aotearoa. Ngutu Pare (Wrybill): their adaptations, life cycle, threats, and conservation activities. The importance of braided rivers of the South Island and their restoration. Kuaka (Bar-Tailed Godwit): their adaptations, life cycle, threats, and conservation activities. Why North Korea is an important migratory shorebird stronghold. Keith’s experiences travelling to North Korea for shorebird conservation. The importance of international collaboration to protect migratory waterbirds. And much more… Love the People Helping Nature Podcast? Get notified when new episodes go live - subscribe for emails here: https://www.conservationamplified.org 🧑‍🦱About Keith: In 1993, while living on the Kapiti Coast, Keith Woodley stumbled into the role of resident manager at the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, in the Firth of Thames. 32 years later, he is still there. With a degree in politics and history, this was not the future he envisaged. During this time, migratory birds have led him to numerous shorebird sites - in Australia, Indonesia, China, North and South Korea, and Alaska. There has emerged from these experiences, three books: Godwits: long-haul champions (2009), Shorebirds of New Zealand: Sharing the margins (2012) and In Pursuit of Champions: The Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre story (2022). 🔗Learn more: Website: https://www.shorebirds.org.nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pukorokoro_miranda_shorebirds Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MirandaShorebirdCentre The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership website: https://eaaflyway.net New Zealand Birds Wader Count: https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/schemes/national-wader-count 🎙️About the podcast: The People Helping Nature podcast is brought to you by Conservation Amplified, a registered New Zealand charity. We are on a mission to help make conservation mainstream by amplifying the awesome stuff people are doing to help nature all around Aotearoa New Zealand. Because when people are aware, connected to the ecosystems around them and care enough to take positive action, only then will we see lasting change. Listen in and follow us to start or deepen your journey. Find out more about Conservation Amplified at www.conservationamplified.org .

Zoos haven’t always looked like they do today. The role of a "good zoo" is now about playing a crucial role in conservation and advocacy for animals - locally, nationally, and globally. In this episode, we sit down with Karen Fifield, CEO of Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo and President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), to unpack what modern zoos do to protect wildlife beyond what you experience when visiting. Karen shares how Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo contributes through wildlife hospital care, specialist breeding programmes, fieldwork, and community support - and why transparency, animal welfare, and long-term thinking are essential if zoos are to maintain public trust. We explore how zoos work alongside community efforts, why some species are kept off display, how global animal welfare standards are set, and the role education plays in helping people take meaningful action for nature. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about animals, people, ethics, and responsibility - and why good zoos are becoming more important, not less, in a changing world. Here are some other key topics we discussed: The role of storytelling and experience design when building zoo habitats What Wellington Zoo does to support local community conservation efforts How Wellington Zoo funds their important work The very real threat of wildlife trafficking and why working together is critical in addressing it Why it’s important to ‘think before you like’ social media content about wild animals interacting with humans How to avoid visiting a bad zoo Why being more sustainabile in our everyday lives is a way that everyone can help wildlife conservation And much more… 👩About Karen: Originally from Australia, Karen’s zoological career began at Taronga Conservation Society Australia and Zoos Victoria before she joined Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo in 2006. Alongside her Chief Executive role, she has also been the President of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) and is currently the President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). In 2023, Karen was recognised as one of the Power 10 Zoo and Aquarium Blooloop Top 50 Influencers internationally, and in 2016 became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit MNZM for services to Business and Animal Welfare. Under Karen’s leadership, Te Nukuao has celebrated many achievements. In 2009, Te Kōhanga The Nest, a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, opened. The Zoo was the first Toitū carbon zero-certified zoo in the world in 2013 and won the inaugural WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award in 2018. In 2024, Mana Whenua gifted the Zoo its te reo name, Te Nukuao Tūroa o Te Whanganui a Tara, which tells the story of the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and care for communities, wildlife and wild places. 🔗Learn more: Website: www.wellingtonzoo.com WAZA website: www.waza.org 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

The smaller critters often get the least attention - yet they make up the foundations of life in our ecosystems. In Aotearoa New Zealand, invertebrates and lizards help recycle nutrients, disperse seeds, pollinate native plants, and support the whole food web. And they’re also some of the hardest animals to actually understand and protect. In this episode, we head back to the Southern Lakes Sanctuary for a round two with their herpetologist and invertebrate specialist, Samuel Purdie, who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to look after species like the Southern Alps giant wētā (Deinacrida pluvialis). These rare alpine insects survive in harsh, often freezing landscapes and are now classified as nationally endangered. Monitoring methods like tracking tunnels, mark-recapture studies, cameras, and eDNA all tell different parts of the story. And without careful calibration, they can paint wildly different pictures. Sam also gives an inside look at the technical and physical reality of alpine fieldwork: night surveys on steep terrain, tents flooding, hazardous cliffs, and the huge challenge of getting reliable data. It’s an eye-opening conversation about some of the least visible yet critical species in the Southern Lakes ecosystem, and why paying attention to the small stuff matters more than most people realise. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: Why invertebrates and lizards are foundational to healthy ecosystems What we know about the Southern Alps giant wētā, their alpine adaptations, and threats they face How climate change is shrinking alpine habitats and the consequences Why mice are a major, underestimated threat that should be included in Predator Free 2050 The complexities of doing monitoring properly that are often overlooked The physical and rugged reality of alpine fieldwork Why inconsistent monitoring methods can mislead conservation efforts How habitat modification and fire pose risks to lizard populations Practical ways the public can help And much more… 🧑‍🦱About Samuel: Samuel Purdie is a herpetologist, science educator, and award-winning wildlife photographer from Rotorua. Sam holds a BSc in Zoology and Ecology and a PGDip in Wildlife Management from the University of Otago, and has recently completed his MSc focusing on native alpine lizards. A lifelong enthusiast for “creepy crawlies,” Samuel spends much of his time turning over rocks in search of New Zealand’s lesser-known species. As Biodiversity Projects Coordinator at Southern Lakes Sanctuary, he's involved in planning and monitoring for these cryptic native lizards and shares his striking wildlife photography and species knowledge across Southern Lakes Sanctuary's media channels. 🔗Learn more: Southern Lakes website: www.southernlakessanctuary.org.nz Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernlakessanctuary Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernLakesSanctuary Sam’s website: www.samuelpurdiewildlife.com 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

The Queenstown Lakes District is one of the most spectacular places on Earth - a picturesque landscape of mountains, lakes, and remote valleys where nature still feels wild. But beneath the beauty lies a conservation challenge: around 40 native species in the region are threatened or at risk of extinction. For decades, local communities have stepped up to protect these landscapes and wildlife, powered by volunteers putting in the hard yards. Now, Southern Lakes Sanctuary is helping to take that effort to the next level, supporting the mahi of six long-running conservation groups representing nearly 100 projects, landowners, businesses and hundreds of volunteers across 198,000 hectares, with plans to scale to 850,000HA over time. In this episode, CEO Paul Kavanagh pulls back the curtain on what happens when communities get the backing they need: skilled staff, smart tech, and funding that lets them go further together. From self-resetting traps to eDNA monitoring and beyond, this work is helping species like kea and mōhua return to the landscapes they once called home. Takahē, once declared extinct, now roam the Rees Valley again - a testament to what’s possible through collaboration. It’s a story of people, progress, and pragmatic action, showing how skilled professionals and passionate locals can work hand in hand to protect Aotearoa’s wildlife at scale. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: How six established conservation groups joined forces to form Southern Lakes Sanctuary Managing volunteer fatigue by adding professional support to complement volunteer-led mahi Expanding predator control from 6,400 to 13,000+ traps and removing more than 70,000 introduced animals Why measuring biodiversity outcomes matters more than counting traps and the role of robust monitoring Threatened species management across the project area The critical role of sustainable, long-term funding and partnerships with business and philanthropy How AI-enabled, self-resetting traps and live mesh networks are transforming remote predator control The importance of working in urban and peri-urban areas as well as the back country And much more… 🧑‍🦱About Paul: Paul worked as a field biologist in Ireland after graduating with an Honours degree in Zoology from University College Dublin. He moved to NZ from Ireland in 2009 to further his career in conservation. Paul was General Manager of the Kiwi Birdlife Park, a wildlife park dedicated to preserving some of Aotearoa’s unique native species, for over 12 years before his appointment to his role as CEO with the Southern Lakes Sanctuary. 🔗Learn more: Website: www.southernlakessanctuary.org.nz Report Takahē Sightings: www.southernlakessanctuary.org.nz/takahe-sightings Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernlakessanctuary Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernLakesSanctuary 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

Most New Zealanders have never seen a bat, yet their presence signals the health of our forests. They’re our only native land mammals, quietly pollinating, eating insects, and supporting ecosystem balance. But with many areas still unmonitored and major data gaps in our understanding, their story remains half-told. In this episode, senior ecologist and bat expert Mark Roper joins us to share insights from years of fieldwork and research into Aotearoa’s long-tailed and short-tailed bats: how they live, where they roost, the challenges of collecting and processing data on them, and how community-led projects are uncovering new knowledge about where they’ve been found. Mark explains how emerging technology is transforming bat research - from low cost acoustic recorders paired with AI-based online classifiers that identify calls, to the National Bat Survey bringing communities together throughout the country. This episode uncovers a bigger picture: how collaboration, technology, and local action are helping us better understand and protect one of Aotearoa’s most overlooked native species. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: Population estimates of long- and short-tailed bats Major threats including habitat loss, introduced predators, and light pollution Why bats are useful indicators of forest health The impact of wind farms and the emerging live curtailment approach that balances renewable energy with wildlife protection How affordable recorders and AI classifiers are making bat detection accessible for citizen science Why we should consider requiring all bat data to be entered into an open national database And much more… 🧑‍🦱About Mark: Mark Roper is a bat ecologist and founder of The Bat Co. Lab. Splitting his time between New Zealand and Sweden, he uses sound and technology to uncover what bats can tell us about the health of our planet. Mark leads the NZ National Bat Survey and works with researchers and communities worldwide to better understand where bats live, why they matter, and how listening to them can guide smarter conservation. 🔗Learn more: Website: www.thebatcolab.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574762309249 Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebatcolab LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/markroyroper More bat resources: www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/bats-pekapeka/resources-for-bat-workers 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

For many careers, purpose doesn’t extend much beyond cashing in the payslip. For Michelle Impey, she’s lived a career of purpose for 20+ years. As CEO of Save the Kiwi, Michelle has led the organisation’s evolution from a one-person funding distributor to a national team delivering measurable conservation outcomes for our national icon, the kiwi bird. In this episode, we talk candidly about building a career with purpose - the trade-offs and rewards, the culture that keeps people for decades, and how business skills like fundraising, operations and communications can drive real impact alongside fieldwork. You don’t necessarily need an ecology degree to help; you need intent, passion and persistence. Michelle also outlines the NZ conservation sector’s evolution. From early research into kiwi decline and DoC sanctuaries, to the community-led and iwi-led movement, Predator Free 2050, new technologies, and Save the Kiwi’s own incubation and crèche programmes - this is proof that collaboration can turn the tide for Aotearoa’s wildlife. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: Lessons from 20 years leading and growing a conservation charity How New Zealand’s kiwi recovery efforts have evolved What leading a purpose-driven organisation really looks like day to day Blending business skills with conservation outcomes Applying entrepreneurial thinking to conservation challenges Advice for anyone looking to start or transition into a purpose-driven career Finding your place in conservation - from volunteering to leadership Why culture and long-term commitment matter in meaningful work And much more… 👩About Michelle: For more than 20 years, Michelle Impey has been the CEO of Save the Kiwi, an organisation that’s on a mission to grow kiwi to abundance across New Zealand. Save the Kiwi works alongside iwi, conservation groups, and the Department of Conservation to raise awareness about the plight of the kiwi, how important the species is to New Zealand’s national identity, and what Kiwis can do to help their namesake. During her 20+ years in this role, Michelle has witnessed the explosive growth of iwi- and community-led kiwi conservation initiatives, which have in turn created more kiwi-safe habitat all over the country and a greater collective desire for kiwi to return to places where they once thrived. Michelle works tirelessly to ensure kiwi remain at the forefront of New Zealand's consciousness, reminding everyone around her that one person taking small action can lead to monumental change. 🔗Learn more: Website: www.savethekiwi.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/savethekiwinewzealand Instagram: www.instagram.com/savethekiwinz LinkedIn: ww.linkedin.com/company/save-the-kiwi 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

What happens when one of the Bay of Plenty’s most degraded catchments becomes a restoration success story? In the 90s, the Te Mania Catchment was a major source of sediment flowing into the Tauranga Moana, with a stream health of 2/10. The stream flowed through Pukekauri Farm, managed by Rick Burke and the Seddon family. And they decided to do something about it. They began their journey of environmental restoration at the same time as redesigning the farm to maximise productivity. Today, after 25+ years of riparian fencing, wetland restoration, pest control and assisted native regeneration, the same waterway scores a remarkable 9/10. By slowing water with wetland sponges, planting steep erodible hillsides and stream edges back into native forest, and learning from mistakes like “wrong tree, wrong place,” Rick and, more recently, his brother John proved how ecological health and farm profitability go hand in hand. Returning 25% of their land to nature didn’t hold them back - it made the farm easier to manage and more profitable. But John’s message goes further. In a paper proposing reforms to the primary sector, he calls for a unified Aotearoa farm plan - linking on-farm restoration to catchment outcomes, avoiding greenwashing, and ensuring NZ’s global brand is built on verified ecological health. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: The journey John’s family went through in restoring their farm The 1970s/80s incentives that led to clearing vast areas of native forest and how farming culture has evolved The red zone vs blue zone mindset for farmer wellbeing and productivity How ‘kitchen-window projects’ are a great way to start small to build momentum The major problems with environmental weeds and why whole communities must get involved The Tīmata method as a way to plant native forest for a fraction of the cost Assisted natural regeneration and rebuilding soil and fungal biomes Linking farm outcomes to NZ’s export story and avoiding greenwashing Catchment groups as anchors for resilience and community wellbeing John’s paper and the case for a unified Aotearoa farm plan And much more… 🧑‍🦱About John: John Burke’s career spans roles as farmer, orchardist, agri-business consultant and environmental manager. He is passionate about economic and practical farming practices and restoring the health of waterways. John’s aim is to share his experience of improving water quality and achieving positive balance in rural communities. 🔗Learn more: John’s Paper: https://www.wai-kokopu.org.nz/john-burkes-paper/ Wai Kōkopu: https://wai-kokopu.org.nz Project Parore: https://projectparore.nz Community Catchments Aotearoa: https://www.cca.nz/ Tiwaiwaka: https://www.tiwaiwaka.nz 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

Nature doesn’t stop at the fence-line, so why should conservation? Throughout Aotearoa, catchment groups are changing the conservation narrative. Farmers, foresters, iwi and communities are working together at landscape scale - proving that when landowners are given structure and support, they become powerful custodians of nature. The results ripple well beyond any single farm gate. From 6,000-hectare predator control projects to riparian planting that cools streams, this work flows from the headwaters to the moana, making towns more resilient to cyclones, waterways healthier, and ecosystems more connected. But catchment groups are more than conservation alone. In remote communities, they’re taking on roading contracts, generating local jobs, and providing disaster resilience - building social fabric as well as ecological health. In this episode, Sam “The Trap Man” Gibson shares how catchment groups evolve, what they need to thrive, and why their growth could be one of the most important shifts in Aotearoa’s conservation story. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: What catchment groups are and how they’ve grown in NZ Why bipartisan political support makes them unique in the conservation landscape How incentives work better than penalties in driving on-farm change Kiwi surveys on dairy farms sparking wider ecosystem restoration Cyclone Gabrielle recovery as proof of community resilience The role of paid coordinators in keeping groups alive and thriving Catchment groups as job creators and anchors for rural communities How catchment groups combine into catchment collectives, achieving conservation and resilience at regional scale How this movement ties into Predator Free 2050 and climate resilience Sam’s documentary Think Like a Forest and the vision of Recloaking Papatūānuku And much more… 👩About Sam: Sam/Hamiora Gibson (better known as Sam the Trap Man) is a trapper, conservationist, communicator, and community leader. Through roles with NZ Landcare Trust, Mountains to Sea, and regional councils, he has spent years supporting and establishing catchment groups throughout New Zealand. With over a decade of experience spanning DOC, Goodnature, and community-led projects like Eastern Whio Link, Sam has designed predator control networks, coordinated large-scale conservation initiatives, and helped rural communities turn their aspirations for biodiversity and resilience into action. 🔗Learn more: NZ Landcare Trust: https://www.landcare.org.nz Sam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_the_trap_man Sam’s Facebook: https://ww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050646522100 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

When a child says, “Mum, I did something to save the planet,” something shifts - not just in the home, but throughout the local community. In this episode, we’re joined by Sally Clegg from Trees for Survival, a long-running, school-based programme that’s growing the next generation of environmental changemakers. Through hands-on reforestation projects, school children are cultivating native seedlings and planting them on retired farmland to stabilise eroded hillsides and restore the edges of waterways. In these places, native trees filter water, anchor soil, and kickstart habitat recovery. It’s not just about getting plants in the ground. This programme brings conservation into the classroom, giving teachers the tools to connect science, biodiversity, and climate learning with something their students can touch and feel. Sally shares powerful stories of kids asking big questions, moving landowners to tears, and inspiring parents to act. Some go on to study horticulture or take up conservation careers. Others simply grow up knowing they can make a difference - and that’s where real change begins. If every school in Aotearoa New Zealand planted 800-1000 trees a year, what kind of future could we grow? Here are some of the key topics we discussed: How Trees for Survival began through Rotary and a global call to protect the planet. What makes a planting site ideal for both students and environmental impact. How students' views about the value of native trees shifts throughout the programme. Real stories of curiosity-led learning, spontaneous karakia, and intergenerational influence. What’s expected of landowners, and how many go above and beyond to support student success. How Trees for Survival tracks long-term impact. How the Ministry of Education could help to scale it nationwide. And much more… 👩About Sally: Sally has worked for the last decade with Trees for Survival, playing an integral part in its evolution from a volunteer organisation to one with a stable funding base. She has worked in a range of roles from seed collection to school shade house deliveries and as a facilitator for the Franklin schools, which has given her a unique perspective on this educational environmental programme. She views increasing the awareness and appreciation of Aotearoa’s native trees through practical learning and empowering teachers and students as a key strength of Trees for Survival. Sally is continually working to make the programme even better. 🔗Learn more: Website: https://www.tfsnz.org.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treesforsurvival Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesforsurvivalnz 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

“People are the absolute silver bullet to this whole predator-free thing.” Dan Henry didn’t set out to lead a movement. But when he and a friend began handing out rat traps around their suburb of Miramar, something clicked. No committees. No red tape. Just a simple idea people could say yes to. Predator Free Miramar was born. Over the following 6 years, that idea helped turn an entire urban peninsula in Wellington into a predator free zone - strengthening not just local biodiversity, but the social fabric of the community itself. What started with backyard trapping is now a network of volunteers working alongside Predator Free Wellington to hold the line and push the vision further. Motivations varied. Some wanted more birds, others just needed a good night’s sleep. But the outcomes stacked up: healthier homes, new friendships, and stronger community resilience. From Darryl’s quiet leadership in social housing to trap boxes built in garages, this is conservation powered by trust, action, and momentum. As Dan puts it, “If the people want this badly enough, the pressure will come on and the politicians will listen and it will be funded.” So if you think conservation only happens in the bush, think again. Urban centres are key to a predator-free Aotearoa. And every person counts. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: How a simple backyard trapping idea grew into Predator Free Miramar. The importance of keeping things simple and fun to build long-term momentum. What it takes to build trust and participation across a diverse urban neighbourhood. Stories of unexpected local champions. The broader impacts of backyard trapping. Why mindset was important to achieve predator-free status. The ongoing challenge of keeping Miramar peninsula rat-free. Why urban neighbourhoods are key to a predator-free Aotearoa. Tips for starting backyard trapping in your own community. And much more… 🧑‍🦱 About Dan Dan Henry is the driving force behind Predator Free Miramar, an initiative he co-founded in 2017 aimed at eradicating introduced predators from the peninsula. Under Dan’s leadership, this community project has blossomed from a small group of dedicated trappers to a thriving network of over 1,000 households, successfully removing more than 10,000 predators and allowing native wildlife to thrive. Dan’s hands-on approach includes personally delivering traps, training residents, and hosting community events, which has fostered a strong sense of shared purpose and pride among locals. His efforts have led to a remarkable resurgence of native bird populations and increased sightings of wildlife like mokomoko (lizards) and wētā. Working alongside Predator Free Wellington, Dan and his team of volunteers have not only eliminated rats from the Miramar Peninsula – a world first in an urban environment – but they have successfully maintained that predator-free status for more than a year. 🔗Learn more: Predator Free Miramar Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/PFMiramar Dan’s Predator Free Resource: www.pfw.org.nz/site/assets/files/1329/predator_free_miramar_-_how_to_kill_rats_and_engage_a_community.pdf 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

Commercial pine forests and kiwi conservation: contradiction or opportunity? “We know kiwi are happy to live in commercial forests. And we know that of New Zealand's landmass, I think it's something like 7% of that landmass is covered in commercial forests of some description.” That’s about 1.8 million hectares of a largely untapped habitat many people overlook! In this episode, forestry specialist Craig Balsom from Save the Kiwi explains the sometimes surprising role New Zealand’s pine plantation forests can play in kiwi conservation. Craig shares how Save the Kiwi and forest owners are working together to map kiwi presence and train harvest crews on how to detect kiwi sign. He also highlights how some forestry companies are already doing a great job with predator control efforts and strict dog management rules within their estates. Alongside these efforts, updated guidelines and a new research project are helping to answer tough questions about how modern harvesting impacts kiwi today. Craig also addresses how working with industry comes with risks, especially the danger of greenwashing: “We step into these spaces, only if we know that the people or the company (...) that we're partnering with are being open and honest and transparent about what they're wanting to achieve and why they're wanting to achieve it.” That means doing due diligence and choosing partners carefully. If we balance it right, pine forests could significantly increase kiwi habitat in Aotearoa and complement traditional conservation efforts. Here are some of the key topics we discussed: When it was discovered that kiwi live in pine forest. Current practices around keeping kiwi in plantations safe. Why forestry companies are motivated to support kiwi conservation. New research into how modern harvesting affects kiwi. How well-managed pine forests can complement conservation efforts. Examples and case studies. Potential greenwashing issues. And much more… 🧑‍🦱 About Craig For the past two years, Craig Balsom has been working with forestry companies as Save the Kiwi’s in-house forestry specialist. With almost 30 years’ experience in commercial forestry, Craig has been able to utilise his industry knowledge to assist Save the Kiwi in encouraging and supporting more pine plantations to embrace predator management. A key focus has been providing updated forestry guidelines for plantation owners and managers. Pine plantations offer a significant untapped resource for kiwi with a multitude of fauna. Craig has been championing the effective use of the infrastructure that companies already have in place (particularly access roads and personnel) to make the most of a fantastic biodiversity opportunity for an industry that is often seen as having a poor environmental impact. Craig (Ngāti Hei) has also prioritised engaging iwi and the shared kaitiakitanga that is fundamental to the Save the Kiwi kaupapa. 🔗Learn more: Website: www.savethekiwi.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/savethekiwinewzealand Instagram: www.instagram.com/savethekiwinz 🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org