For the love of the land

“Our title is Land Management Officer, but it’s so much more than ‘managing the land’,” she says.  

“Most of what we do is about people, about relationships. The role is all about working alongside landowners, communities and tangata whenua, doing practical environmental work that can help soil conservation, improve water quality, and protect and enhance our unique biodiversity.” 

Across the Bay of Plenty, the Regional Council has land management officers that support and encourage individuals and groups into better land use practices. This includes reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients entering our waterways, encouraging retirement of unproductive land, adapting to climate change impacts, and protecting and increasing habitat for native birds and plants to thrive.  

Help comes in many forms, from technical advice and guidance, through to potential co-investment for high-priority areas or community funding for grassroots projects. 

Kendall has been part of the Regional Council since 2018. For the past year, she has taken on the role of Acting Team Leader for the Eastern Catchments team, where she leads a group of eight land management officers based in Whakatāne. Together, her team works with landowners and community members from Ōtamarākau to Whangaparaoa on the East Coast, and all the way inland to the Rangitāiki River headwaters. 

With a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, and previous roles in the dairy industry, the role ‘ticked all the boxes’ in terms of skills, experience and interest – plus, it meant spending a lot of time out and about around the rohe (region).  

And, while the nature of her current role means a few more office days, her motivation remains the same: Helping local communities make their ‘backyard’ a better place for all – big and small.  

“What I loved about the job, and still love about it, is feeling like I am making a difference, and getting out there and working with people,” she reflects.  

“The other benefit is the ongoing learning. Working in local government, we’ve got to be across quite a lot of stuff, from land use best practice to central government policies. 

“You also learn a lot from the people you work with – colleagues, land owners, volunteers. In my time here, I have learned so much and I’m still learning now.” 

One of Kendall’s biggest learnings early on was just how much local expertise her colleagues had: “The context and knowledge they had for these catchments was pretty incredible.”  

That deep understanding of the Eastern Bay sub-region is something she’s worked hard to build herself and it’s central to the success of her work. 

“Being here and on the ground is important because you can get to know people and the place well. Every property and every person is different, so everything starts with a visit to the property, having a chat and finding out what people want to do. Then, we see how we can help and what other agencies or partners can provide support too.” 

Through this work, an environmental programme is usually established – an agreement for up to  five years that sets out a clear plan for what environmental work will be done and why, who will do the work and when, and how it will be funded.  

In a lot of cases, Kendall says landowners have been chipping away at the work themselves and they come to the Regional Council because they want to know how they can take it to the next level. For Kendall, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see a project start small and grow over time.  

“It’s better to start small and see what you can handle, and once we’ve got parts of the project up and running, start adding more in time. 

“You go back to the property each time and the trees are growing and the native birds are singing. To see that change is really positive.” 

Kendall is also proud of the collaborative work that happens between the Regional Council and local volunteers – the backbone of community conservation efforts.  

With approximately 100 care groups across the region, she says it’s heartening to see so many passionate people wanting to help support their local environment.  

“They do phenomenal work and put in an extraordinary number of hours a year. We might be able to support them with plants and materials, but they’re the ones putting in the time.” 

The Coast Care programme to restore and project sand dunes along the region’s beaches is an example of community-led success.  

“In the Bay of Plenty, it’s been running for 30 years, one of the longest running Coast Care programmes in New Zealand,” Kendall says. “As well as care group volunteers, a huge number of school students get involved. We’re so lucky to have such motivated community members.” 

At the heart of Kendall’s work is a simple message: Regional Council staff are here to help. Whether it’s restoring wetlands, improving water quality, or supporting biodiversity, Kendall and her team are working alongside locals to protect the environment – for today and for future generations. 

“We’re not there to promote anything – other than the environment! We’re always looking for win-win situations,” she says. “The advice and support we give comes from a place that’s about finding the best outcome for everyone.” 

If you’re thinking about how you can play your part in looking after the environment, Kendall’s advice is simple: Reach out.  

“We’re here to support you,” she says. “Let’s have a chat.”