U3A Takapuna

Jo Knight is the current Chair of Pest Free Kaipatiki which has active programmes in pest animal and pest plant removal as well as Kauri Dieback prevention. The talk will give some background to KDB as well as outlining current action to prevent the spread in the Kaipatiki area. These actions include the development of halos around Kauri reserves, educational initiatives and training of specific volunteers in how to move safely in a kauri area. Current treatment available, Kauri growing on private land and the efforts of Kauri Rescue in this scenario will also be covered. Jo is an ornithologist and all round conservationist who works with her local reserve groups in the Hadfield and Odin Reserve area of Kaipatiki. Her experience centres on education, environmental issues and programme development. This includes a summer doing research at Cape Bird in Antarctica; setting up the education service at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, followed by developing community programmes and short term displays as Curator at Auckland Zoo. She is a past member of the Auckland Conservation Board. Work on recycling systems for organic waste, electronic waste and tyres in NZ means that Jo still runs a small company exporting electronic waste to Japan for re-refining of metals contained and their reuse in the IT industry.