Kea crusader Tamsin Orr-Walker is rapt to be named Auckland Zoo's Conservationist of the Year.
The win surprised Ms Orr-Walker, but her co-workers at the Kea Conservation Trust saw the prize as well-deserved recognition.
The award celebrates her long-term commitment to kea conservation, which colleague Peter Fraser describes as "a
passion or obsession".
The pair founded the trust in 2006, and she has become a leading figure in raising awareness, research and running advocacy programmes.
Ms Orr-Walker was pleased with the win, but said the award recognised the trust's collaborative efforts.
"It's wonderful to be acknowledged. [But] nothing can be achieved by one person alone. There's a huge number of people involved," she said.
She has had a life-time's experience working with animals.
These days her passion lies with kea conservation. "I absolutely fell in love with the kea. They're very smart and interactive".
Ms Orr-Walker enjoyed her work at the trust, which combined paid research with volunteer work. A couple of times each year she abandons the office for field research, such as population surveying in mountain bush, an activity that gave her a major buzz.
The $1000 prize money will be used for future projects at the trust. The zoo also celebrated 17-year-old Samantha Cheah's efforts raising marine conservation awareness. Ms Cheah - of Botany Bay High School - will receive a "money can't buy" environmental experience for winning Young Conservationist of the Year.
