Massey thanks its Rena responders

Key players in the Rena clean-up operation are gathering to recognise the work of the Massey University-led National Oiled Wildlife Response Team tonight.

The team was led by Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences staff Kerri Morgan and Helen McConnell, with Associate Professor Brett Gartrell managing the oiled wildlife facility at Te Maunga, assisted by a number of Massey wildlife veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey says Massey's goal of providing innovative responses to environmental issues, and contributing to public understanding of those issues, was challenged by the scale of the environmental disaster.

"However, it is fair to say that our staff not only rose to the challenge, they provided a leadership role that helped harness the tremendous public support nationally and internationally for the oiled wildlife response,” he says. “They did Massey proud and they showed New Zealand is a world leader in this field."

Joining Mr Maharey at tonight’s event will be representatives from Maritime New Zealand and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Palmerston North mayor Jono Naylor, Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway, and members of the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team.

The team, which is contracted to provide the role by Maritime New Zealand, was on the ground in Tauranga within hours of the ship grounding, ready to deal with oiled wildlife.

At its peak the team cared for just over 400 birds, mainly consisting of little blue penguins but also including shags, petrels, shearwaters, and 60 rare dotterels that were pre-emptively caught.

Massey staff being recognised:

Dr Phil Battley, Pauline Conayne, Nicky Denning, Associate Professor Brett Gartrell, Bryan Gibson, Dr Stuart Hunter, Micah Jensen, Baukje Lenting, Helen McConnell, Sarah Michael, Kerri Morgan, Danielle Sijbranda, Janelle Ward, Bridey White.