Very sad to hear that Don Merton is terminally ill. It's hard to think of any other New Zealander who has done more for our unique birds. He has saved kakapo and the Chatham Island black robin from extinction. It's not so widely known that he has also helped save birds in other parts of the world from extinction.
In the coming May Forest & Bird magazine, Rod Morris pays tribute to a great New Zealander.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/4856886/Black-robin-conservationist-terminally-ill
Forest & Bird » Other
Don Merton
(7 posts)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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Thank goodness F&B has thanked him and congratulated him heaps before now for his conservation work. It's pretty awful when people wait til someone is dying and ill or even dead before they are recognized.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Sadly, Don Merton passed away early this morning. Don's work protecting our most endangered native birds and other creatures will live on. Our thoughts go to Don's wife, Margaret.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I had the privilege of working with Don over 20 years ago on a project where he provided the scientific input and I found the people and the money. He took a punt on the project, which was developed through F&B , and made it work. Despite his well-deserved reputation and his amazing achievements, I found Don to be a really humble and thoroughly decent guy who related well to everybody. I met Don from time to time since and my view of his character only got more and more reinforced.
It's sad that Don did not have more time to enjoy his family and his retirement. We need people like him and I will miss him. But think of the legacy he leaves behind.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Nice to hear Nic mention him last night on close up!
http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/kakapo-rescue-not-worth-6-33-video-4120688?ref=facebook
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yes, Nic and Al Morrison were great on Close Up last night. Morning Report's bird call today was the Chatham Island black robin - in memory of Don Merton. Wonderful.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Over the week there's been a number of pieces covering Don's life but I think radio provided the most intimate coverage. These pieces give you a good sense of what he was like as a bloke, and the importance of his conservation work. Have a listen
Our Changing World
This contains audio of his last interview
http://static.radionz.net.nz/assets/audio_item/0010/2485513/ocw-20110414-2146-Tribute_to_Don_Merton-m048.asxGraeme Hill featuring our very own Nic Vallance
http://www.radiolive.co.nz/Environews-Don-Merton-obituary/tabid/506/articleID/19767/Default.aspxPosted 1 year ago #
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