Council staff member Kerry Hudson has been described as a hero of soil conservation and land management in Tairāwhiti after he was honoured at a national event last week.

Kerry was awarded the Outstanding Contribution award at the NZ Association of Resource Management (NZARM) conference, in Christchurch last Wednesday, for his long and distinguished career.

It was 1982 when Kerry started as a 23-year-old at the East Cape Catchment Board, after completing his Agriculture Science degree at Massey University.

More than four decades on, Kerry is still sharing his “encyclopedic” knowledge of this region as Gisborne District Council’s Integrated Catchments Manager.

Described by his team at Council as “unequaled” in his field, Kerry can remember owners of farms, the previous owners and in some cases the owners before that.

Council Liveable Communities Director Michele Frey, and Kerry’s boss, says she’s thrilled to see Kerry get the recognition he deserves.

“It's been an absolute pleasure working alongside Kerry as he’s transformed the Land Management team.

“We look forward to what’s in store over the coming years, Kerry really is a hero.”

Bryce McLoughlin, Kerry’s colleague and Senior Land Management Advisor at Council says Kerry is passionate about sharing his knowledge so there is continuity for this region.

“Your expertise, knowledge, guidance and the manner in how you conduct yourself is to be commended.

“As a team, we’re stoked to be learning from one of the best in the business.

Kerry’s accumulated knowledge means he can look at an aerial photo from anywhere in the district and know where it is based on landform features. He has a story for every corner of the Coast and knows the direction to every paddock on every farm.

“It’s obvious through the number of people you know, the number of hectares you have walked, the number of poles you have planted, the number of maps you have produced and the countless stories you have told, that our community is so appreciative of you.

“They know that if they need anything, you are always there to help guide and support them through their aspirations and dreams for their whenua,” his team said in a joint statement.

Kerry is also a husband and a proud dad of three, who often talks about his kids and what they’ve been up to.

Kerry’s known throughout Council for always being at work early, and finishing late, with a quick wit and a cheeky sense of humor.

© Scoop Media