Ray W Cleland

Ray had started his working life as an engineering draughtsman then saw war service in the Middle East and Italy from 1942 to 1945. On returning to New Zealand he began a Forest Service traineeship based at Karioi, adjacent to Tongariro National Park, where his conservation interests flourished, together with his love for mountains, with all the challenges and rewards they offer. Following a spell working with the Swedish Forest Service he returned to New Zealand in 1949 for a period of deer culling and wildlife management. In 1950 he applied for the position of ranger-in-charge of Arthur's Pass National Park, an appointment he took up in July. He resigned from this role 24/6/1958 and by the end of 1958 Ray Cleland had been appointed the first Supervisor of National Parks with his base at Christchurch. He left this role in 1965 to become Chief Ranger Mount Aspiring National Park.

In 1980 Ray retired, working with Nature Conservation Council for 8 years. His affiliations in Wanaka were as follows:

• Director, Treble Cone Skifield
• Trustee, Nga Manu Wildlife Trust
• Hands Off Wanaka Lake Committee
• President Wanaka Improvement Society
• Co-opted member Guardians of Lake Wanaka
• Environment/Recreation Committee Upper
• Clutha Development
• National Parks Authority rep. on Tourist Advisory Committee
• Airport Authority Wanaka
• Member Royal NZ Forest & Bird Society
• Hon Life Member Y.H.A. of NZ