As the Ark’s dedicated Project Manager, Daria brings with her both scientific expertise and a strong commitment to conservation. With a PhD in Ecology and Animal Behaviour from the University of Auckland, Daria made the intentional shift from academia to practical conservation – steadfast in her belief that protecting Aotearoa’s native taonga is more important than publishing papers. 

Having worked her way up from field crew roles to project leadership across a range of conservation projects in New Zealand, Daria brings both practical expertise and strategic insight to the role. She is deeply committed to doing things properly, especially when it comes to data, health and safety, and the wellbeing of the species we’re here to protect.  

Committed to supporting the many good people doing great mahi, Daria is focused on helping Ark in the Park thrive and continue its strong legacy of restoring biodiversity in the Waitākere Ranges. 

Having lived in the Waitākere Ranges all her life, Jess is deeply connected to the land and community of the Ark that she serves as Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. With a background in community engagement, Jess has experience supporting volunteers and delivering communication campaigns across a range of different contexts. 

Jess holds a Master of Environmental Management, as well as a bachelor’s in psychology and communications. She is passionate about fostering harmonious relationships between people and nature, with her previous studies exploring the intersection between how natural environments support communities, and how those communities can contribute to the preservation of natural environment.  

Inspired by how volunteers at the Ark embody this ethos, Jess is dedicated to nurturing a connected and empowered Ark community that works together for nature delivering tangible biodiversity outcomes in the Waitākere Ranges. 

As the Ark’s Field Operations Lead, Petra brings a wealth of experience in conservation fieldwork. She has extensive experience working in rugged bush environments across Aotearoa New Zealand with expertise in pest control, biodiversity monitoring, and habitat restoration. 

Alongside Petra’s practical experience, Petra also has a strong academic understanding of conservation practices, holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management and a BSc in Zoology and Marine Science. She is passionate about achieving meaningful conservation outcomes while fostering strong community involvement.  

Petra’s dedication to implementing effective field operations that align with best practice is invaluable to Ark’s enduring commitment to restoring native wildlife in the Waitākere Ranges. 

As the Ark’s Ecological Field Support Officer, William brings a strong background in predator control and a deep commitment to protecting Aotearoa’s native wildlife. His work is driven by a strong desire to supporting local communities in maintaining healthy, resilient ecosystems. 

William comes equipped with a range practical skills in pest control, wildlife monitoring, and track maintenance. A skilled outdoorsman William is enthusiastic about working alongside the volunteer community and supporting practical conservation efforts across the Waitākere Ranges. 

William’s pragmatic approach and dependable nature make him a valued member of the Ark team who also embodies the shared commitment to protecting biodiversity in the Waitākere Ranges. 

Ken happened to be a patient of Dr. John Sumich, one of the founders of the Ark in the Park, and in 2005 received from him a ‘green prescription’ along the lines of “Join the Ark, or at least buy a substantial number of bags of my macadamia nuts,” (a fundraiser John was running from his GP rooms). Ken and partner Rosemary were soon out trapping and baiting every month or so, and on her retirement Rosemary got more heavily involved, then when Ken retired in 2016 he found himself thrust into trap maintenance and trapper training, after the long-standing trap man, the able Stu, pulled back from the role.

Long before the rāhui and Covid, Ken’s dream of walking every track in the Waitākere Ranges dwindled away to a weekly scramble in the 2000 odd hectares of the Ark. At the same time his whole social life began to revolve around the Ark, and possibly ‘at least I know him’ was a reason he was elected as a volunteer rep to the Ark management Committee some years ago. 

Contact info: kenneth.harrop@gmail.com, 027 777 3880

After many years at an indoor job, in 2014 Jo was looking something to do outside with a conservation programme. An email to Forest and Bird was answered by Laurence at the Ark in the Park, and so began a volunteer career in the Waitākere Ranges baiting lines on Thursdays all over the Ark in the Park area. Being slow to say no to Laurence soon meant a position in the Scenic Drive South Trapline too. And eventually time doing data entry, weeding with Colleen and other odds and ends that needed doing around the Ark office were added to the activities.

Contact info: jo.ballagh@gmail.com