Alan is now 73, and will join dozens of conservationists – including other pioneers he worked alongside in protecting kōkako – for the biennial Kōkako Recovery Group Hui in Rotorua this week. Alan had several different roles with DOC, in various places, but he retained his connection to kōkako protection throughout. Some of the most dramatic responses we’ve seen, in terms of species recovery, are in relation to landscape-scale goals for kōkako. He credits community groups as the “beating heart” of kōkako protection around the country, and says he’s looking forward to reconnecting with other pioneers of kōkako protection and emphasises “it wasn’t just me”. DOC’s Kōkako Recovery Group Lead Rhys Burns says as well as an opportunity for people to catch up, this year’s hui will also cover a range of topics connected to kōkako protection.