Introducing - Corry-Ann Langford

 

From Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

 

Willowbank Wildlife Reserves development began in 1974 from a rough block of scrub, broom and blackberry with a beautiful spring fed stream flowing through it.

The Reserve today covers 7 hectares (18 acres) of lush native plantings and waterways. The Reserve is still operated by the original family who created this special place combining native New Zealand wildlife, rare breeds, nature and culture - all within the Christchurch city boundary.

The Reserve includes a fully licensed restaurant & cafe, a Maori Cultural Experience (Ko Tane), the New Zealand Conservation Trust and a kiwi enclosure where you will be guaranteed to see a Kiwi (with no glass).

Corry-Ann was born in Gisborne and studied Zoology & Ecology at Otago University. During her school years she volunteered for DOC and monitored Dotterel and did blood sampling of crayfish.

 

1. What are your role and responsibilities at willow Bank?

I am the Husbandry Manager of the Kiwi Breeding Facility at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This summer we will see over 80 kiwi chicks returned to the wild once they are big enough to fight off stoats and cats. We incubate the kiwi eggs brought in from the wild and raise the very adorable chicks.

 

2. What's the first thing you do on a Saturday morning?

I jump out of bed at 7am to work my Saturday's clearning up and feeding kiwi chicks. They don't stop eating on the weekends - unfortunately for my husband!

3. What are you reading at the moment?

Not enough time in a day to read - or watch TV!

4. If you were to be stranded on an island, which three things would you bring with you?

I'd take my husband, a lot of food, and a good pair of jandals - assuming the sand will be very hot.

5. If I invited myself over to your house for dinner, using only the contents in your fridge right now, what would you make me?

Corn fritters with sour cream & sweet chilli sauce...mmmm good for brekkie, lunch & tea!

6. Where would you rather be right now?

Camping around NZ, by a beach, lake, a river and native bush and birds, with no sand flies!!

7. What advice would you give to your 15 year old self?

Don't work the school holidays - learn to surf instead.

8. If you could only ever go one place in the world on holiday for the rest of your life - where would it be?

Lake Rotoiti in the North Island - stunning place with great people.

9. If you could acquire one new skill within the next 24 hours, what would it be?

The skills of a professional rally car driver - watch out Mr Loeb!

10.   What's one thing most people do not know about you?

I have worked in traffic control on the road works around Gisborne (the stop/go chick) - great holiday job, great team and it's surprising how generous with food people are that drive those roads.

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