Fun fact:

What’s your favourite native bird, and why?

“I love the South Island Robin toutouwai for their small size, big attitude, and a lot to say for themselves.”

Norman Petereit

Norman Petereit is a dedicated conservationist who began his professional career in the Australian Airforce before moving into IT; he has a commercial pilot license and now works for Kono Horticulture, a Wakatu Incorporation business. Norman serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust. Although he is a newcomer to Takaka Hill, having only moved there in late 2016, Norman's passion for nature and the environment has deep roots that stretch back to his childhood in Australia.

Norman's love for the natural world blossomed during his early years spent playing in the Australian bush, where he and his friends would immerse themselves in nature, building huts, exploring streams, and engaging in imaginative outdoor adventures. This formative experience instilled in him a profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural environment.

It was during the mid-90s, after relocating to a lifestyle block in New Zealand and starting a family, that Norman's interest in conservation and biodiversity conservation truly took root. As he cultivated his own land and observed the impact of human activity on the natural world, he became increasingly aware of the threats posed by invasive plant and animal species and the extent of environmental modification in Australia and New Zealand.

Driven by a desire to protect and preserve the unique limestone and marble ecosystems of Tākaka Hill, Norman seized the opportunity to purchase a bush block in the area. Drawing on his experience volunteering for other conservation groups, he was well-prepared to contribute his skills and knowledge to the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust when the opportunity arose.

As the Secretary and Treasurer of the Trust, Norman is vital in advancing conservation efforts and promoting the protection of the local environment. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Tākaka Hill make him a valued member of the community and a driving force behind the conservation initiatives in the region.