Author's note
Inevitably, there have been aspects of the Department's work omitted in the short history presented. Peter Bygate was Acting-Director General for considerable periods in the early years. Simon Upton was Minister during part of 1996. DOC firefighting, in New Zealand and overseas, has been recognised as world class. The community relations side of the Department has barely been touched but is no less significant for that. There have been developments in whale conservation, and DOC people have represented New Zealand in many international conventions and United Nations-led organisations connected to conservation. There have been and will be implications for DOC of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2005. Many DOC staff have taken up work opportunities abroad as recognised leaders in their fields.
To any person or deed that has been missed, my apologies. Department staff will know for themselves the part they have played in the remarkable progress that has been made in the last 20 years.