New chief for Mount Bruce

Pukaha Mount Bruce has a new general manager.

She is Helen Tickner, who for the past three years has led the development of Destination Wairarapa's customer and member services, including two i-Site visitor centres.

Ms Tickner's appointment is part of wider changes at Pukaha, with the board taking over responsibility for the visitor centre and education programmes from the Department of Conservation.

She is a past president of the Rimutaka Kindergarten Association and has led community projects in a range of voluntary roles.

Pukaha Mount Bruce chairman Bob Francis said the board was delighted to welcome Ms Tickner.

"She brings a comprehensive and exciting range of skills that will help further build visitor and educational experiences," Mr Francis said.

"Her strong leadership, success with growing teams, and marketing and tourism background will serve us well in the transition to the new management arrangements, growing visitor numbers and providing a world-class customer experience."

Mr Francis said Ms Tickner would work closely with the board and its partners, DoC, Rangitane o Wairarapa and the community, while managing the visitor centre's team of volunteers and staff.

DoC's captive breeding programme will continue at the National Wildlife Centre and the department will carry on with restoration of the 940ha forest, including pest control.

"While it is the end of an era, it is also the start of an exciting new phase for the Pukaha visitor operation, which has been well served by DoC for the past 30 years," Mr Francis said.

Ms Tickner will take up the general manager's role in June.