Award for ‘hero of the soil’ Kerry Hudson

Kerry Hudson was awarded the Outstanding Contribution award at the NZ Association of Resource Management (NZARM) conference. Picture supplied

Gisborne District Council staff member Kerry Hudson has been described as a hero of soil conservation and land management in Tairāwhiti after he was honoured at a national event last week.

Kerry was awarded the Outstanding Contribution award at the NZ Association of Resource Management (NZARM) conference, in Christchurch, for his long and distinguished career.

Kerry started as a 23-year-old at the East Cape Catchment Board in 1982 after completing  a degree in agriculture science at Massey University.

More than 40 years on, Kerry is still sharing his encyclopaedic knowledge of this region as Gisborne District Council’s integrated catchments manager.

Described by his team at the council as unequalled in his field, Kerry can remember owners of farms, the previous owners and in some cases the owners before that.

Council liveable communities director Michele Frey, and Kerry’s boss, says she’s thrilled to see Kerry get the recognition he deserves.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working alongside Kerry as he’s transformed the land management team.

“We look forward to what’s in store over the coming years.  Kerry really is a hero.”

Bryce McLoughlin, Kerry’s colleague and senior land management adviser at the council says Kerry is passionate about sharing his knowledge so there is continuity for this region.

“His expertise, knowledge, guidance and the manner in how he conducts himself is to be commended.

“As a team, we’re stoked to be learning from one of the best in the business.”

Kerry’s accumulated knowledge means he can look at an aerial photo from anywhere in the district and know where it is, based on landform features. He has a story for every corner of the Coast and knows the direction to every paddock on every farm.

In a statement acknowledging Kerry’s award, his team said:

“It’s obvious through the number of people you know, the number of hectares you have walked, the number of poles you have planted, the number of maps you have produced and the countless stories you have told, that our community is so appreciative of you.

“They know that if they need anything, you are always there to help guide and support them through their aspirations and dreams for their whenua.”

Kerry is also a husband and father of three, who often talks about his  children and what they’ve been up to.

He is known throughout the council for always being at work early, and finishing late, with a quick wit and a cheeky sense of humour.