Come behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Today we profile Natasha Hayward, Operations Manager in Te Kuiti.
Kererū at Otorohonga Kiwi House
At work…
Some things I do in my job include:
As a Partnerships Manager, my job was leading and inspiring my team to work with others to increase conservation. My new role in the King Country will be much the same, and I’ll also focus on other top priorities like working on cultural and employment opportunities with iwi, supporting recreation tourism, and telling the stories of the amazing species found in the region.
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:
Engaging with others and increasing conservation.
The best bit about my job is:
Working with and leading a team of dedicated and passionate people who want to make a difference.
The DOC (or previous DOC) employee that inspires or enthuses me most is:
Paul Green, current Chair of Project Tongariro. I have really enjoyed working with him because he just gets it. He knows it’s about relationships and getting the work done.
In the new Forest Tower at Pureora Forest
On a personal note…
If I could trade places with any other person for a week, it would be:
Marilyn Monroe – she was an incredibly interesting person, and just living in the whole Kennedy era.
My greatest sporting moment was when:
I represented Taranaki for netball in the Under 21 team when I was only 17. I played centre and wing attack, and I’m still playing competitively now.
Winning a silver medal at the 2015 Masters Games in Brisbane
If I could be any New Zealand native species I’d be:
A kererū. They have good fashion sense and are sociable and strong.
My secret indulgence is:
Wine. It’s always wine o’clock somewhere in the world.
My hero is:
Richie McCaw for his leadership, his sporting prowess, his sense of community and family values. He is also very easy on the eye!
With my sons Isaac, Ethan and Nicholas
Deep and meaningful…
My favourite quote is:
“Hamilton is the new gateway to Te Kuiti!”
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
It’s not about what you know, it’s about how you apply it and work with others.
In work and life I am motivated by:
Doing the best I can, feeling fulfilled, and helping others to be the best they can.
My conservation advice to New Zealanders is:
We need to appreciate and protect what we have now.
