Jesse Bythell
Jesse Bythell, North Arm, RakiuraI originally trained as a linguist but found myself transferring my interest from endangered languages to endangered plants when I moved from Christchurch to the deep south in 2006. I lead the NZPCN web team and have been involved with NZPCN since 2010. I have interests in science communication, alpine flora, plant photography, botanical etymology, gardening, hunting, tramping and horse riding. Some of my earliest plant memories are of habitually climbing (and falling out of) a large plum tree, the smell of the beech forest mingled with salt and sunscreen on Marlborough Sounds family holidays and learning the names of all the ‘pitty farlies’ in my Nana’s garden. I think my favourite tree will always be southern rātā but I also have a strong fondness for all our weird and wonderful small-leaved tree daisies.
Alex Fergus
Alex and his two daughters, Rātā and IdaThe smell of mashing geraniums into the top of a concrete water tank as a tot endures in my head as the smell of plant-love and freedom (North Canterbury). Geraniums to thyme (Clyde); thyme to willows (Lauder); it took tertiary education in Dunedin to get me out of weed-love and into some natural NZ ecosystems. Apart from some international sojourns (Zurich, Rennes, Russian Far East) I’ve tried not to look back. I poorly balance young family time (Rātā and Ida) with garden time with field time and currently minimal extracurricular flora-focused adventures. I work for Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research as a field botanist, a great role that lets me interact with plants all over Aotearoa. I have much love for Horomaka – Banks Peninsula, which I live on the edge of, but have a constant low-level craving for silver beech forest, anywhere alpine, and the Subantarctic. Until recently, I always identified pōkākā as my favourite tree, but tāwari may have overtaken it; then again I recently met Streblus smithii – blew my mind.
Bill Campbell
Bill Campbell, Puketi Forest, NorthlandFrom my childhood I’ve had a keen interest in the natural environment, particularly native birds, plants and animals. Unfortunately, these interests had to be put on the backburner for a long time while I was a family man pursuing a career. Since 2007, when a friend reintroduced me to botany, I’ve got back into exploring with a vengeance. Native orchids are of special interest to me and I take every opportunity I can to track species down and photograph them in their natural habitat. I am also very interested in rare and threatened plant species, particularly those found in the Northland region, where I live. If I am free, I enjoy guiding visiting enthusiasts to local hot spots to share with them some of the natural beauty that Aotearoa’s far north has to offer.
Matt Ward
At Slope Point Southernmost point of the Mainland looking at Selliera radicans.After ditching the world of baking for conservation I’ve been very fulfilled. I went on a roady the length of Aotearoa in 2004 which ended with a conservation conversation at Waitiki Landing, this involved many questions for the local DOC ranger about how to join the force. This led to a couple of Victoria University degrees and some volunteer work at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary whilst studying. I have now been working with our native plants since 2006 and have become a chronic sufferer of orchid fever. I run my own ecological restoration business which allows me some time to botanise, and collect and process native seeds. I also attempt to be a botanical photographer and artist. Any spare time is enjoyed dining at home with my wife and friends, gardening, continually modifying something around the house, as well as making tasty home brew beverages.
Taylor Davies-Colley
Taylor geeking out over Tupeia antartica at a teachers professional development workshopI grew up among the beaches and kauri forests of Northland. This surrounding, and the influence of my parents’ passions for gardening and forestry, led me to a natural fascination with flora. I followed this interest to the University of Otago, to study a BSc in Botany and Ecology, and then a Masters researching the decline of one of our threatened carnivorous plant species; Utricularia australis. While at university, I released that, while I really liked researching plants, I loved talking about them more. Over the years I have been increasingly involved with community nature projects and environmental education. I currently work doing conservation education and community outreach. When I am not spreading the word about protecting native species, I try to get out into the amazing environment that surrounds Ōtepoti/Dunedin or wherever else I can get to.
Marley Ford
Marley pondering Pannariaceae taxonomy in the coastal forests of Maunganui Bluff, Northland.Kia ora! I’m a ecologist, botanist, mycologist, lichenologist and full time nature nerd committed to exploring Aotearoa and its vast diversity. I grew up in the wild western Far North, the land instilled in me a love for wild places. Once I realised there were rare plants in my local mountains and coast I was hooked. My interests lie in the underappreciated flora and novel landscapes, I feel at home in an Elvin cloud forest dripping in bryophytes and lichens. I recently completed a MSc in mycorrhizal communities of ramarama (Lophromyrtus bullata) with previous studies in ecology and lichenology. I’m a curator and avid contributor to iNaturalist NZ, a council member of the Auckland Botanical Society as well as a diligent article contributor, and a curator of NZPCN’s lichen content. I am now working as a contractor for a range of organisations focused on ecology and botany.