The Rangers

The Rangers, Ben and Jo Barr, are employed by the Friends of Matakohe-Limestone Island Society through sponsorship by Golden Bay Cement and the island owner, the Whangarei District Council.

Ben and Jo not only liaise with visitors to the island, but also do much of the work involved with predator and weed control programmes, track maintenance and mowing of fire-breaks. Then there are the annual things like planting site preparation (spraying and cutting holes through the grass), transport of trees (boat, tractor-trailer), planting of trees, clean-up after planting days, Argentine Ant survey. A good deal of time and effort is put in by them arranging and coordinating the many volunteers who come to the island.

They must also be aware of fire risk when things are dry and adjust work accordingly (no machinery can be used when the island is extremely dry!), keep an eye out to make sure there are no open fires, camping, or dogs.

Things like tractor and boat need re-fuelling and maintenance/repair, as does other equipment - it all takes time.

Ben and Jo work in with other organisations such as the Department of Conservation (kiwi work) and the Whangarei District Council.

The management committee of the Society gives guidance, and volunteers help where they can, but a great deal of coordination and work on and off the island is carried out by Ben and Jo.

Would you like to help as a volunteer? Ring Ben and Jo 436 0923.