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Self confessed 'grumpy old bugger', tireless back-room negotiator and dynamo planter Colin Ryder has been nominated in the 'kiwi battler' awards.
For over 20 years, Colin has been a indefatigable and highly inspirational Forest & Bird member.
He has represented the Society on our Wellington branch as well as our national executive. Colin has devoted much of his non-working life to the environment of New Zealand and its many plant and animal inhabitants.
Eco-warrior, Colin Ryder
Never one to shy away from getting his hands dirty, Colin is right in there with the rest of them.
At his best though, Colin is a valued backroom volunteer. He is a highly skilled negotiator, project manager, planner and communicator. His tireless dedication and commitment to achieving shared visions has led to many successes.
To name but a few:
• Eradication of mice on Mana Island off Wellington’s west coast (Colin was the founder and is the current President of the Friends of Mana Island, which was recently recognized as one of Australasia’s top 25 ecological restoration projects).
• Native species reintroductions to Mana Island and Matiu / Somes Islands (in Wellington harbour), including diving petrels, green geckos, red-crowned parakeet or kākāriki, North Island Robin, Cook Strait giant weta and Wellington tree weta.
• Establishment of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve on Wellington South’s coast (just a mere 17 year effort as chair of the South Coast Marine Reserve Coalition)
• Over $1 million in funds raised for conservation projects and activities
Colin is also:
• Chair of the Wellington Natural Heritage Trust which owns an area of forest in Wellington city;
• Treasurer of the Friends of the Galapagos;
• Deputy Chair of the Matui/Somes Charitable Trust.
