Tauranga student selected for restoration project

Emily McCarthy in 2014. Photo/File

A Tauranga student will be working on a restoration project in the Kahurangi National Park after winning a Blake Department of Conservation Ambassador Award.

Emily McCarthy joins a group of talented students from around the country who will be working with Department of Conservation (DOC) workers and volunteers this summer.

In February, Emily will be working in Kahurangi National Park on the Flora Stream Restoration Project, which includes the large stoat control operation to protect native species such as whio and great spotted kiwi.

Her work will include snail monitoring, stoat trapping, kiwi telemetry and monitoring of footprint tracking tunnels alongside the local DOC ranger and volunteers.

The Sir Peter Blake Trust, in partnership with DOC, Antarctica New Zealand, the Antarctic Heritage Trust, and NIWA are announcing 14 awards in total this year, eight more than last year.

DOC's outreach and education manager Sarah Murray said this was a great opportunity for young leaders with a passion for New Zealand's natural environment to work alongside DOC staff on conservation projects.

"These young leaders will be our conservation champions of the future. They will spread the word to their peers, schools, businesses and community groups about what's needed to help conserve our special wildlife and places," she said.

Shelley Campbell, chief executive of the Sir Peter Blake Trust, said the programme was unique.

"It gives our Blake Ambassadors the opportunity to access expertise and opportunities that are very rare at this point in their studies or career."

"The Blake Ambassadors are all outstanding young people. It's the quality of the programme, the participants and our partnerships that make it so successful."