Kea crusader rewarded for work

Kea crusader Tamsin Orr-Walker is rapt to be named Auckland Zoo's Conservationist of the Year.

The win surprised Ms Orr-Walker, but her co-workers at the Kea Conservation Trust saw the prize as well-deserved recognition.

The award celebrates her long-term commitment to kea conservation, which colleague Peter Fraser describes as "a passion or obsession".

The pair founded the trust in 2006, and she has become a leading figure in raising awareness, research and running advocacy programmes.

Ms Orr-Walker was pleased with the win, but said the award recognised the trust's collaborative efforts.

"It's wonderful to be acknowledged. [But] nothing can be achieved by one person alone. There's a huge number of people involved," she said.

She has had a life-time's experience working with animals.

These days her passion lies with kea conservation. "I absolutely fell in love with the kea. They're very smart and interactive".

Ms Orr-Walker enjoyed her work at the trust, which combined paid research with volunteer work. A couple of times each year she abandons the office for field research, such as population surveying in mountain bush, an activity that gave her a major buzz.

The $1000 prize money will be used for future projects at the trust. The zoo also celebrated 17-year-old Samantha Cheah's efforts raising marine conservation awareness. Ms Cheah - of Botany Bay High School - will receive a "money can't buy" environmental experience for winning Young Conservationist of the Year.