We’re delighted to welcome Ben Haddrell as the Trust’s new part-time Reserve Manager for our Waikato and Bay of Plenty reserves.

Ben brings a unique combination of practical conservation experience, environmental planning expertise, and a genuine passion for protecting New Zealand’s native forests. Based in Hamilton, he joins NFRT after working as Team Lead with Bushcraft Contracting, where he led pest control operations, coordinated field teams, managed complex logistics, and built strong relationships with landowners across the Waikato, Northland and Auckland. Earlier in his career, Ben held resource management roles with the Department of Conservation and Hutt City Council, giving him valuable experience in conservation policy, planning and stakeholder engagement.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning (Honours) and has extensive hands-on experience managing pest control programmes and monitoring native ecosystems. His practical knowledge, combined with his background in resource management, makes him exceptionally well placed to support the protection and restoration of NFRT’s reserves.

Outside work, Ben is an enthusiastic tramper, hunter and conservationist who spends as much time as possible in the bush. He has completed two remarkable long-distance hikes: Te Araroa, walking the length of New Zealand, and the 4,265-kilometre Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. Alongside his role with NFRT, he also helps manage predator and pest control on his family’s farm in Waitomo, where they are working towards the future translocation of kiwi.

Reflecting on his new role, Ben says:

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in, contributing to the Trust’s work, and meeting everyone involved. The Trust’s values align strongly with my own, so I’m excited to be part of it.”

Ben will be responsible for managing NFRT’s reserves throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, including Awakau Kiwi, Basil Hewett Reserve, Cynthia Hewett Memorial Reserve, Ed Hillary Hope Reserve, Owen Lewis Reserve, Palmer Bush, Pehitawa Kahikatea Forest, Rangitoto Station, Rauroa Bush Reserve, Ross Bishop Memorial, Steuart Russell Reserve, Tui Glen and Waiwawa.

Over the coming months, Ben will be visiting these reserves and meeting many of our dedicated Honorary Rangers, landowners and volunteers. We know our supporters will join us in giving him a warm welcome to the Native Forest Restoration Trust. We look forward to the experience, enthusiasm and commitment he will bring as we continue working together to protect and restore Aotearoa’s precious native forests.