Wildlife legend is first patron

A man once named as one of 100 Great New Zealanders of the 20th Century has become the first ever patron of the Carterton- based Brown Teal Conservation Trust.
Wildlife legend Dr Don Merton is credited with saving the Chatham Island Black Robin when only a single breeding pair remained, securing the future of both the North and South Island saddlebacks and has been a driving force in the fight to save the Kakapo.
The trust had been giving serious thought to establishing the position of patron and approached Dr Merton who said he was delighted and honoured to accept.
During his work with endangered birds Dr Merton has developed several world-first techniques in species management and has been regularly rewarded for his work.
He was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 1989 and Massey University conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Science on him three years later.
His career in wildlife management began as an 18 year old and Dr Merton retired four years ago after 48 years continuous service.
He has been working as a wildlife consultant since and Neil Hayes, of the Brown Teal Conservation Trust, said having Dr Merton as patron is expected to play a major role in helping to save brown teal from extinction.