Animal Health - Obituary

Obituary — Betty Rowe

If there is one person whose portrait should be hanging in the Department of Conservation head office it is that of Betty Rowe. She epitomised the word ‘conservationist’ to the very blood and bones meaning of the word. Mention anything to do with the Arapawa Goats of NZ and it will be synonymous with the name of Betty Rowe. Thanks to her, the world, (except New Zealand’s Department of Conservation), recognise the uniqueness of this breed of goat and its importance to the future of the caprine family. It is not found wild and free in any other place in the world; DNA scrutinising by international experts have confirmed this.May New Zealand’s tunnel-visioned pen-pushers concede Arapawa Island has an international treasure to be conserved, not culled.

It has been an honour to have had long discussions with Betty about the meaning of animal companions in our lives and especially the preservation of a species that DOC seemed hell- bent on driving to extinction. Betty and family set up an area of Trust Land to conserve this precious species; long may it remain Betty – your dedication is an inspiration to all who value our world heritage.

R.I.P
Sarndra G Urwin

ARAWAPA — ONCE UPON AN ISLAND
Betty Rowe

A fascinating story of an American family, who left behind all the comforts of suburban life in America — came to New Zealand in search of a better lifestyle. Eventually they found their way to their ‘dream’ home, “Aotea” on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

Betty was drawn to the wildlife, the uniqueness of the sheep and goats she found there. Her efforts to seek protection for these animals drew attention from the bureaucratic machine that existed to exterminate all ‘noxious’ animals. It became a battle that went well beyond words as she and her supporters rallied to defend the goats against the men who came to shoot them. A conflict and battle that still rages today.

ISBN 0 908685 21 1

A CONSERVATIONIST... The act or process of conserving.

The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources such as forests, soil, and water.

Conservation had its origin in the USA where attention was drawn in the 1950’s to the damage done by mining in the Appalachians. It may be defined as the protection of natural or man-made resources and landscapes for later use.

A distinction is made between conservation and preservation;

A conservationist recognizes that man will use
some of the fish in the lake...

but a preserver would ban fishing in the lake entirely.

Conservation protects resources for future use by banning reckless exploitation. It promotes an end to wasteful use of non-renewable resources, more efficient extraction methods, and recycling. A major theme is the conservation of soil, perhaps the most abused of the natural resources. Conservation is both rational, (since it extends resources for the use of future generations), and morally sound.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Site Map