A small endangered moth encourages NorthTec student to dream

A small endangered moth encourages NorthTec student to dream big

Pieter van Marion is focused on getting the degree he needs for his dream career in biodiversity management after completing the second year of his Diploma in Conversation and Environmental Management at NorthTec.

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“I absolutely want a career in this area. I can see how all the things that I have done have led me towards this.”

Pieter has one more year to go to complete his degree and has just finished a practical research project focused on the endangered moth Notoreas sp ‘Northern’ for the Department of Conservation.

“I’d like to be working in Northland and involved in the unique flora and fauna that are here. There are so many facets to the sector that we have been exposed to through our studies and I’d love a job that involves most of them. I’m particularly interested in endangered species protection, environmental monitoring and biodiversity management.”

Pieter has found that he has already established a network of industry contacts through doing the papers and projects on the diploma.

“You have the opportunity to get your name out there. You just need to make sure that you do a good job!”

Pieter’s latest project has seen him working with DOC’s Northland Conservancy surveying suitable habitat for the Notoreas moth. The moth is linked to the ‘sand daphne’ or Pimelea prostrata and Pieter’s task has been to determine the best time and optimal conditions for monitoring the endangered moth by surveying a selected area where the sand daphne is found.

Pieter has spent more than 90 hours in the field surveying an area near Glinks Gully. “The survey method was designed in consultation with my tutor Dr Olivier Ball and Andrea Booth and Matthew Calder from DOC. I then randomly surveyed the five specific areas involved in the project six times a day taking wind and temperature readings and making notes about the weather conditions that could be affecting the moths.”

The survey findings will now be used to provide DOC with a clear indication of the best time to monitor the moths. “This will save resources because it will mean that their monitoring takes place only when conditions are optimal.”

Getting a taste of research has spurred 43-year old Pieter to consider postgraduate study. “I’m hungry for it. Since I’ve started studying again my brain’s woken up. I’m thinking of studying for my Masters degree or maybe going even further.”

Meanwhile, tutor Dr Olivier Ball is providing mentorship and advice as Pieter’s pursues his studies. “If there’s someone you want as your mentor, it’s Olly. He’s absolutely fantastic!”

Having ambitious plans for his future studies and career wouldn’t be possible without the support of his family and friends, however. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without them and their financial and emotional support. My wife deserves a lot of credit.”

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