Land Based Training is proud to celebrate Tyler Greenwood and his whānau, who were recognised at the South Taranaki Community Awards for their outstanding contribution to conservation and their local community.
Tyler is currently a learner in our Level 2 Primary Industry Skills programme at LBT Hāwera, and we were thrilled to hear about the incredible mahi he is involved in alongside his whānau, Robert and Georgina Greenwood, at Rotokare Scenic Reserve.
During the award presentation, the Greenwood whānau were described as an inspiration and a “united family team” who lead by example. Together, they have dedicated hundreds of hours to the Rotokare project, getting involved in whatever needs doing and continuing to turn up in all weather and challenging conditions.
Every week, the whānau undertake the demanding job of checking up to 3.5 kilometres of pest-proof fencing, traversing steep ridgelines while inspecting the fence, checking rat traps and clearing overhanging vegetation. They also maintain the trapping network outside the fence, helping create an additional buffer against pests.
Their contribution also extends to kiwi conservation and translocation. The Greenwoods support kiwi catch teams by using telemetry equipment to locate kiwi - sometimes spending up to six hours in the field in a single day. Their efforts help the catch teams locate more birds for safe translocation. The family also assists as box handlers, carrying kiwi back to base for processing.
Georgina contributes further as an educator volunteer, sharing her knowledge of conservation and te ao Māori, while the whole whānau pitches in wherever help is needed.
Perhaps the scale of their commitment is best summed up by one incredible figure: in just three months, the Greenwood whānau contributed 83 volunteer days at Rotokare.
Their sacrifice and commitment were described during the awards as a shining example of what it means to give back to the community and work with dedication for the greater good.
For us at Land Based Training, it is particularly special to see one of our learners living many of the values we encourage through our programmes - getting outdoors, getting stuck in, caring for the whenua and environment, working as part of a team and making a positive contribution to the community.
Congratulations Tyler, Robert and Georgina Greenwood!
We are incredibly proud to have Tyler as part of our LBT Hāwera campus, and equally proud to celebrate the amazing mahi being done by his entire whānau at Rotokare Scenic Reserve.
Ka mau te wehi!