A new chair for Rotokare Trust

With a new chairman comes a wealth of new ideas, and Steven Kane says he is pleased to be stepping into the role with the Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust.

Steven first became involved with the trust as a volunteer and has been a part of the trust the past two years.

"It is great to be a part of such an active trust, which such a hands-on committee," says Steven. He took on the role last month after previous chairman Mike Werren stepped down.

Mike says he is confident that Steven is the right person to take on the job.

"I am involved in various trusts and I hoped the role could be taken on by someone who could commit fully to the position."

Mike, who has been in the role for five years, is still involved as a trustee and looks forward to the fresh ideas that Steven will bring to the table. He also welcomed three new trustees.

Simon Collins, Rotokare sanctuary manager, says there are a range of projects being undertaken at the reserve. The biggest is 'translocating' the hihi or stitchbird which has been extinct in the region for over 150 years. "There are only six populations of this bird on the planet and the idea is to bring 40-60 birds to Rotokare over a two-year period."