How I Live... Sea Smart! Hannah's Nurturing Nature

Hannah Hendriks (28) From Wellington Is a Marine Species Support Officer With the Department of Conservation

- Ciara Pratt

I don’t think anyone back home would be surprised that I’m working in this role! I grew up in New Plymouth, so I spent a lot of time at the beach. We weren’t the family that had the boat or anything, but I was definitely a water baby and it’s no shock to anyone I got into something to do with nature. I really enjoy the natural world – we’re so spoilt in New Zealand!

I always had in my mind that I would want to work for the Department of Conservation [DOC], although I think I probably more pictured myself as a ranger out in the field. But that was only because I didn’t know about all the work that goes on behind the scenes.

I definitely wanted to do something that involved the environment, particularly animals. So when I went to university, I studied biology, which was my favourite subject at school, and then discovered marine biology.

After taking up an opportunity to volunteer for the marine species and threats team at DOC, I officially had my foot in the door.