Frontline fighters

The fight for New Zealand’s biodiversity is never easy, but it just got a lot harder with the tragic deaths of two experienced Department of Conservation staff and a helicopter pilot near Wanaka.

The three – Paul Hondelink, Scott Theobald and Nick Wallis – were starting an important effort to control the spread of the noxious goat the tahr, whose population has grown to 35,000 after years of dithering and too many native plants being destroyed.

Frontline DOC staff often find themselves in harm’s way, whether flying over hazardous terrain on missions to save wildlife, fighting fires or helping out on search and rescue operations.

In this they work hand in hand with helicopter and fixed-wing pilots.

In fact, the pilots are often much more than transport operators; in the case of Nick Wallis, he was himself a pioneer in predator-control innovations.

The loss of the trio will not only be felt at home but also overseas.

New Zealanders have an international reputation for being among the most skilful and resourceful at pest eradication, and their services are eagerly sought-after worldwide.

The three men have left an invaluable legacy: thousands of endangered birds and other numerous rare species on the mainland and on islands are thriving thanks to their efforts. They not only believed in making a difference; they did make a difference.