Kiwi Coast Trust is thrilled to welcome Lesley Baigent as the new Far North Kiwi Coast Coordinator!
Lesley and Tohu tracking kiwi at Mahinepua. Photo: Mahinepua Radar Hills Landcare
Based in Fairburn, just south of Kaitaia, and with over 20 years of practical hands-on kiwi experience, Lesley is the perfect addition to the Kiwi Coast crew.
Lesley also brings two special kiwi experts into the fold – Tohu and Yagi – specialist kiwi trained Conservation Dogs who love to help Lesley safely track hard-to-find kiwi, assist with kiwi population surveys and help forestry companies with kiwi monitoring during harvesting.
A retired vet and accredited Kiwi Handler, Lesley will already be familiar to many Northlander’s. Lesley has been involved with Northland communities and their kiwi for many years – assisting the Department of Conservation with kiwi rescues and rehabilitation, running Kiwi Aversion Training for Dogs sessions and visiting local schools to share ideas and info about how to help care for kiwi.
Lesley says :”I’m a farmer, dog owner and trainer, who is passionate about Northland kiwi. Knowing how both dogs and kiwi tick means I can bring some fresh perspective and new ideas into the mix. It’s great to see more and more communities in the Far North taking action to look after their kiwi and I’m keen to help.”
Lesley is starting in a part time capacity, with a focus on supporting Far North community-led groups and projects who are keen to tackle pests and help their forests, wildlife and kiwi thrive. Hitting the ground running, Lesley has already started getting out and about with the groups, including helping Honeymoon Valley Landcare Trust with their Peria Landcare Day in September.
Lesley speaks at the Peria Landcare Day Photo: Honeymoon Valley Landcare Trust
Lesley brings the total Kiwi Coast Coordinator crew to three. Andrew Mentor, based in the Bay of Islands will continue to provide dedicated support to Mid North groups, while Ngaire Sullivan will keep providing overall support and coordination to the 120+ groups, projects, agencies and organisations now linked in to the collaborative community-led initiative.
Kiwi Coast Trust Chairman, John Craig says “We are thrilled to have Lesley on the team and wish to thank Foundation North for their generous grant which made the new Far North Coordinator role possible. Growing our team of Coordinators is essential as the momentum of Kiwi Coast continues at a rapid pace. Continuing to provide quality support to groups and projects so that Northland forests and kiwi can thrive are our top priorities.”
To get in touch with Lesley, email her at lesley@kiwicoast.org.nz or phone 09 408 7800.