Deserved honour for Mt Bruce stalwart

GREAT WORK: A National Services to Conservation Award was presented to Pukaha Mount Bruce chairman Bob Francis at the annual New Zealand Zoo and Aquarium Association Conference. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Pukaha Mount Bruce chairman and former Masterton Mayor Bob Francis has won an award for his services to conservation in New Zealand from the National Zoo and Aquarium Association.

Pukaha Mount Bruce general manager Helen Tickner secretly nominated Mr Francis, who received the award last week, inspired by his dedication to conservation at the wildlife centre.

"It comes down to the fact that I have worked with Bob for two years now, and it's obvious how much he does for Pukaha," she said.

"Even though he doesn't get out in the field as often as he would like, the work he does for Pukaha is so important.

"He's a champion for Pukaha and is always leading by example.

"He didn't know he was nominated."

"I didn't tell him because I knew he'd just say 'don't be daft'.

"He doesn't do what he does here for recognition, but now he knows how much the team know and appreciate all the hard work he does.

Mr Francis was humble in accepting the award, which he was only told he had won after the event.

"I suppose it's nice to be recognised," he said.

"But it's more about the recognition for Pukaha than for me.

"We're doing some amazing things there and it's great to be a part of it."

The nomination for the award read "Bob doesn't work on the front line of conservation.

"He's not out there weeding, building aviaries, hosting visitors or caring for the birds.

"But he is the powerhouse behind the all important money, which allows the staff and volunteers to do all those things.

"He's led the Pukaha Mount Bruce Board to fund and build four stages of capital improvements worth over $4.8 million since 2008.

"This has allowed tens of thousands of visitors to engage with and understand conservation values and view conservation in action at Pukaha Mount Bruce - and they take those values and messages with them."

The annual award that Mr Francis won is funded by the Gibbs Wildlife Conservancy and is for 'Services to Conservation in New Zealand'.

The conference was in Rotorua on July 22 and 23.