Next up, we have Paul

This week we are highlighting the work and contributions of our Lead Contractor, Paul van Klink. Paul pretty much single-handedly started the wetland restoration 9 years ago and continues to be a driving force in the planning and execution of the restoration works, including being the supervisor extraordinaire of our Thursday volunteer sessions. Read on to hear from Paul in his own words.

What are your skills and experience background?

 I have worked in conservation and ecology since I left school and completed a BSC a few years later when I realised that is what I wanted to do. I specialised in working on endangered species and a highlight was training and working with a threatened species detector dog. In the past few years I have slowly retired from the physical fieldwork and shifted my focus to learning more about our native plants.

Why did you become involved in FOBC and how long have you been involved?

I was employed by Otago Fish & Game as a field officer from 2015 till 2022. At that time Otago Fish & Game had already de-established the Wānaka Hatchery operations but the site remained with the Council. One of the jobs I got involved in was cleaning up the site including disposing of assets on the site and I also began some adventive plant management along the banks of Bullock Creek adjacent to the hatchery grounds. It was during those first couple of years working for Fish & Game that Te Kākano, the Wānaka Residents Association and the Department of Corrections became involved in the restoration of the headwaters of Bullock Creek. FOBC was formed in 2018 and the site was named by the Otago Fish & Game Council as Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs.  

What is your role/s at FOBC?

 I am the primary contractor responsible for the operational delivery of the workplan for the site. Most of this work is completed for FOBC Trust but I also complete some tasks on the site for Fish & Game. The work is really about progressing the staged restoration of Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs. To do this FOBC engages with the community and together with FOBC volunteers, Te Kākano, school groups, other contractors and the Department of Corrections, the work is undertaken. 

What have been some highlights during your time at FOBC?

Highlights have been the formation of FOBC which have been instrumental in raising awareness, fundraising for the operations and the boardwalk and also a huge amount of resourse managment work that has been required. 

Getting the QE11 covenant registered on the title prior to me leaving Fish & Game in 2022 was another highlight. Also with the community efforts, we have collectively planted over 11,000 native plants. 

In five words, describe what makes Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs so special

Passionate People 

Spring water trickling

Wetland natives flourishing

Peace and tranquility

Birds and Bees

Where do you see Bullock Creek in ten years time?

 In terms of the total area we are approximately halfway through the staged restoration. The hardest thing now is the weed control required to clear the site for the next 10,000 natives that will be planted on the site. The current goal is to plant 1,000 plants per growing season so if FOBC is able to keep up the current efforts and resources then it is definitely achievable. 

Paul having a lakeside brew after work