Dr Kath Walker, of Nelson, ONZM for services to wildlife conservation
Dr Kath Walker has worked as a scientist with the Wildlife Service and the Department of Conservation. She initiated establishment of the Rotoiti ‘Mainland Island’ and eradication of rodents on Motuara and Chetwode Islands, now bird sanctuaries. She conducted a nationwide survey of giant carnivorous Powelliphanta snails and discovered a previously unknown species, which she named Powelliphanta augusta. After its habitat was destroyed, she helped DOC to keep the snails alive in captivity and spearheaded efforts to have its habitat restored. Her PhD research demonstrated New Zealand has 20 distinct species and 59 subspecies of Powelliphanta, many highly endangered, and she published recovery plans for most. Dr Walker and her partner monitor the health of albatross populations in the subantarctic annually and have worked to protect critically endangered albatross populations.