Flora and Fauna Workshop (Longtailed bats)

Kay's passion for conservation and wildlife management runs deep, sparked in childhood and put into action when she joined Conservation Corps in Nelson in 1990. From supplementary feeding of kākā to skink and snail surveys, she gained broad hands-on research experience. Returning to Hawke's Bay, Kay worked for DOC in community relations before spending time overseas. Back home, she joined the Ongaonga Field Centre, working across the Ruahine Ranges on biodiversity and recreation projects for six years, and completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management at Otago University. In 2001, she became Programme Manager for Biodiversity Threats, before co-founding the Conservation Company with partner Craig Single.