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Robin Thomas
NZ Parks WorkedRakiura National ParkLand Districts WorkedSouthland Land District (inc sub-Antarctic Islands)Biography Robin joined the Dunedin office of Lands and Survey in 1970, later undertaking roles in both New Plymouth and Christchurch before joining the national parks and reserves ranger service in 1974.
Based first in Rotorua, Robin was instrumental in a number of recreational and educational initiatives, including the establishment of the Ōkataina Outdoor Education Centre.
In 1976 he transferred to Stewart Island as Senior Ranger with responsibility for over 75% of the Island. Species work, especially for kakapo, kiwi and a range of marine mammals, was interspersed with balancing expectations from increasing tourist visitor numbers while at the same time transitioning South Island Landless Natives Act (SILNA) lands to Rakiura Māori ownership and control. He led a number of archaeological trips to the southern portion of Stewart Island providing data for a significant number of previously unrecorded early Māori and European sites. During that time he also acted as the Crown’s representative for onshore facilities associated with early oil exploration in the Great South Basin, while also providing environmental guidance and input to the embryonic marine farming industry on the Island.
In 1987, with the formation of DOC, Robin took up the role as District Conservator Otago. He retired from DOC in 2013. He also completed overseas deployments in Japan, Galapagos Islands and Australia.
