Support to achieve best outcomes

Published date27 October 2021
Publication titleCentral Rural Life
The pair are both passionate about their roles, and are keen to talk to people to help them get the most out of their land while reducing their impact on the environment.

Mr Rutledge’s background includes 26 years at the Department of Conservation. There he worked as a freshwater ecologist and in marine reserves, as well as doing dolphin conservation work. This involved him counting Hector’s dolphins off Banks Peninsula while flying in a small plane.

‘‘It’s amazing what you see from the air out there — we were flying out to 10km offshore and we’d not only spot dolphins, but whales, seals, sharks, schools of salmon and kahawai and heaps of sea birds,’’ he said.

He also worked as a consultant for inanga/whitebait spawning and other special projects.

Mr Todhunter completed a bachelor of science at the University of Otago three years ago. He has since done extensive work with the Christchurch City Council as a ranger and worked as an independent ecological consultant.

As biodiversity and land management advisers, the pair have a lot on their plates. This includes providing people with support for their Farm Environment Plans, advice about good management practice and helping people fund their biodiversity projects.

Mr Rutledge said it was a busy and full-on job, but one that was equally rewarding.

‘‘We’re here to help people achieve their goals and ensure what they do on the land doesn’t have a negative impact on the environment.

‘‘There are some great biodiversity values in our region, and it’s important these are protected from the mountains to the sea for future generations to enjoy.’’

Mr Todhunter said there was a lot of ongoing project management with the job.

‘‘A typical day could involve a landowner ringing up to say ‘we’ve got this great project in mind, can you have a look?’.

‘‘If it checks out...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT