Ranger returning 'home'

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 15, 8 September 1987, Page 3

Ranger returning 'home'

Ohakune-based ranger for the past 15 years, Dennis McDonnell, is Pipiriki's new sole-charge ranger. He is taking up the position from John Lythgoe who received promotion and was transferred to Wanganui recently. Mr McDomiell began as a park's assistant with the Tongariro National Park in 1972 and worked his way through the grades, eventually becoming Conservation Officer with the re-structured Department of Conservation. Mr McDonnell's chief responsibility has been the charge of huts, tracks and staff, including the running of PEP and work transition schemes within the Park. He was very involved in park operations as the Southern Zone Fire Control Officer and was in charge

of noxious animal control in the area. He was also heavily involved in search and rescue operations within Tongariro National Park and as a member of the Waimarino Search and Rescue organisation. Mr McDonnell is also the Waimarino's firearms Safety Officer with the NZ Mountain Safety Council. His promotion to senior ranger at Pipiriki is a positive step for himself, his wife Julieanne and their family. He is a direct descendant of the Ngati Kura tribe, the original people of Pipiriki and is familiar with the area and parts of the river. For Mr McDonnell, the move is "like going home." The family's home in Raetihi will either be sold or rented out and they will move into the ranger's accommodation when he takes up his appointment on 14 September. His wife Julieanne, who is a relieving teacher at Ruapehu College, will be commuting from Pipiriki until the end of the year. " Ten-year old Racheal will be attending Pipiriki School from the start of the third term. Mr McDonnell's position at Tongariro is currently being advertised. ^ While at Pipiriki he will be responsible for the management of Whanganui * National Park, liaison with ^ locals and tourist concessionaires as well as being in charge of the ranger station. Mr McDonnell will also be in charge of the three park assistants assigned to Pipiriki. The Colonial House 4 which was run by the former ranger's wife is open i on demand until Mr McDonnell's appointment later this month.