Retiring National Aquarium of NZ manager Rob Yarrall says there have been too many highlights to list.
He talks to Mark Story in the twilight of his near-50-year tenure at the Napier attraction.
How did you get into the industry?
It all started back in the 60s when a friend who had come from England introduced me to tropical fish keeping and I started up first one fish tank at home which soon became a room full and ended up known as Rob's fish room. I then found out about the aquarium on Marine Pde and was soon working there on the weekends. Not long after I was offered a fulltime job and here I am today.
Given there are big plans afoot, are you sad to be retiring before they're implemented?
Just a little bit but I think the time is right to hand over the reins and give someone new ownership from the ground floor. I have been asked to be part of the design team so may still be in the background for a little while.
During your tenure what was your favourite occupant at the aquarium?
Well, I have worked with an amazing range of native and exotic fish and reptiles but I have always had a soft spot for tropical marine fish and I guess my favourite would have to be the Clown Triggerfish.
