Ōpōtiki’s Jesse Emery has taken on the role of kiwi management co-ordinator at the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust, bringing with him a deep passion for kiwi conservation.

Mr Emery takes over from Claire Travers, who is leaving the trust after many years dedicated to conservation work in the Eastern Bay.

Ms Travers is now preparing for a new chapter in the South Island.

Mr Emery has always had a strong passion for conservation work and the environment, but with conservation being a big space, he says he wanted to do something meaningful, so decided to focus on kiwi.

Before joining the trust, he worked with Raukūmara Pae Maunga in the operations team, supporting and often leading aspects of the species monitoring programmes

Over the past few years, he has worked towards specialising in kiwi conservation, becoming a certified kiwi avoidance trainer and an accredited kiwi handler – skills that have prepared him for his new role with the kiwi trust.

He is also working towards joining the Conservation Dogs Programme, which will allow him to use dogs for kiwi conservation.

Mr Emery admires the kiwi trust’s close relationships with its volunteers, residents, iwi, hapū and conservation groups and sees this as a major strength in protecting kiwi populations in the Eastern Bay.

“One of the things that stands out most to me about the trust is the strong involvement from the Whakatāne community. There is a real passion here from people of all ages.”

Weeks into his new role, Mr Emery has been busy learning the ropes. Every day brings something new and he is already finding the work very rewarding.

“The work is extensive and involves everything from field monitoring and kiwi management through to engagement with local stakeholders, community, iwi and hapū, and all of that is so rewarding.”

Mr Emery is looking forward to learning and continuing to grow his knowledge of kiwis while contributing to the long-term protection and recovery of the species in the region.