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John Clay
Chief Ranger - Egmont National ParkRanger Training - TurangiNZ Parks WorkedTongariro National ParkEgmont National ParkDate of Birth1933Biography In John Clay's words:
[In 1968 John applied for,] Tongariro National Park, Ranger at Ohakune, [was] interviewed by V P. McGlone CCL, [and was] successful.
Vince McGlone also visited my home in Wainuiomata and interviewed Joan. He was accompanied by Mrs McGlone.
After a quick visit to Ohakune to see the house in Mangawhero Camp and meet Bill Hislop, Senior Ranger Ohakune, and Joy his wife we took up the position on 19th December 1968 as Ranger Grade 1 on 3 months trial a Board employee.
1968 – 1973 Ohakune Ranger
1973 Went to Antartica and worked at McMurdo with the Americans, who wanted a mountaineer to look after the scientists.
1973 – 1974 Ranger Turangi
1975 – 1977 Ranger Training Turangi
1977 – 1987 Chief Ranger Egmont National Park
1987 –1996 Senior Ranger Wellington Regional Council
Background
Born 1933 Wellington
Joined Wellington Catholic Tramping Club 1948 while still at secondary school (College). Educated Catholic primary school Lower Hutt, secondary school St Patrick’s College Wellington. Apprenticed carpenter New Zealand Railways 1950. Married to Joan 1957. Worked for private builder 1958 –1968. Became National Park Ranger 1968, married with four children. The fifth child born in Raetihi Hospital while I was a ranger at Ohakune.
I was an active tramper, climber, hunter right through from the time I joined the tramping club. Also a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club from 1958 until sometime in the late 1980s. I was 35 years of age when I eventually got a ranger’s job.