Post Covid-19 challenges for new Murihiku DOC manager

Wednesday, 24 June 2020

The new Department of Conservation operations manager for Murihiku is aware of the financial challenges the organisation might face in a post Covid-19 environment.

John McCarroll was the acting operation's manager since August before being appointed to the position permanently.

Murihiku stretches from northern Southland all the way to Campbell Island in the subantartic. It also includes the Catlins to the east and as far as the Fiordland National Park boundary to the west.

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the tourism industry and with borders being closed to visitors it will also affect the International Visitor Levy, that goes towards funding sustainable tourism and conservation projects.

DOC is also repairing tracks and infrastructure in Fiordland that were significantly damaged during flooding in February.

To date, neither the Milford or Routeburn great walks have re-opened, but they are scheduled to open in July.

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'…impacts on our revenue are going to be present,' he said.

He was unaware of how much funding the Murihiku office would receive from the $433 million to be allocated to regional environment projects by the Government.

There was still strong visitor numbers to some conservation but it was a change to focus on domestic tourists and their interests, McCarroll said.

'I think we have a huge amount of opportunities, especially post Covid and my focus will be on understanding how the department can be involved and support our local regions,' he said.

'Murihiku is a special district. There are such diverse landscapes, rugged coast lines, island reserves, internationally reocgnised wetlands, sub antartci, UNESCO World Heritage sites, marine reserves, large intact native forests, not to mention the the cool species like mohua, rapoka, hoiho, rockwren to name a few.'

'This is the beating heart of Southland, economically and as a playground for locals and visitors to explore.'

McCarroll has worked at DOC since 2012 in various roles, and he replaced Tony Preston who became the principal bio ranger in Fiordland last year.