Dianne and Selwyn June are testament to the adage that in retirement “you end one job but find yourself doing several more”.
The Hamilton couple, both in their mid-70s, are veteran conservation volunteers, involved in several projects across the greater Waikato region. They’re long-term members of Pirongia Te Aroaro ō Kahu Restoration Society (Dianne is the secretary), are part of the relatively new Pikiariki Restoration Group, and they’ve also contributed to Project Tongariro.
This year they both received a King’s Service Medal for their contributions to conservation stretching back 40 years.
The Department of Conservation’s Always Be Naturing campaign encourages New Zealanders to actively give back to nature and take action to support it – including volunteering on conservation projects, in the way Dianne and Selwyn have for decades.
Selwyn’s professional background is in horticulture and he has a degree in forest science. His involvement in conservation as “an offshoot” of his career. Dianne spent decades in the health sector, as a medical laboratory scientist, and was an active and committed tramper.
Depending on the work and projects planned, their volunteering efforts can surpass 100 hours a month. Selwyn carries out on-the-ground and data-focussed work, while Dianne has an administrative and organisational role recruiting the all-important volunteers.
To get people involved in conservation volunteering, “we use arm-twisting, shoulder-tapping and peer pressure,” Dianne jokes.
“Most of the time it’s word of mouth, which is extremely strong,” she says. “If you can keep the social aspect and the fun part top of mind, the rest follows.”
Fruit juice, sweets, home baking and a cup of tea to accompany good chats are often the end-of-day incentive many volunteers need to stay involved.
The King’s Honours took the couple by surprise, and Dianne says she thought it was a scam at first. Keeping quiet about the honours for several weeks before an announcement was a struggle.
Selwyn says the recognition of their efforts must be shared with the people they’ve worked alongside in their conservation volunteering.
Dianne says the couple are beginning to slow down with their volunteering, and succession planning for the conservation projects they’re heavily involved in is on their minds. She’s been reflecting on how she can begin passing on her knowledge to others.
She has sage advice for anyone considering getting involved in conservation volunteering: “Just pick one project and get started – because the conservation network will point you in other directions.”
She firmly believes the air in the forest gives people more energy: “If you’re out in the bush for half a day, a day or a weekend, you feel better for the next week or month – it is refreshing, just doing something.”
“People really enjoy getting out into the forest,” Selwyn adds. “It has all sorts of benefits – they just love being out there.”
Selwyn says science students can also gain valuable experience from volunteering in conservation.
DOC Waikato Biodiversity Ranger Cara Hansen says Dianne and Selwyn’s impact on conservation goes far beyond the hours they contribute themselves.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Dianne and Selwyn on a range of conservation projects and have seen first-hand their incredible ability to bring people together and inspire action,” she says.
“Whether it’s coordinating large volunteer baiting operations, tree planting, or supporting the protection of threatened species such as kōkako and dactylanthus, they play a vital role in both the hands-on work and the organisation behind it.
“Their King’s Service Medals recognise not only their decades of dedication, but the lasting impact they’ve had on conservation and the people they’ve encouraged to get involved.”
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
