Glennie, Ian Cedric William, 1937-2002

Date: 13 Nov 1998

From: Tongariro Forest oral history project

By: Glennie, Ian Cedric William, 1937-2002

Reference: OHInt-0425/4

Description: Ian Glennie was born in Gisborne in 1937. Mentions his parents Archibald and Mabel Glennie. Recalls moving to Kakahi and then Taumaranui, where he was educated. Describes being an apprentice electrician before becoming interested in native forests and becoming a Junior Forest Labourer. Recalls working with Austin Kirk who had been in the 28 (Maori) Battalion. Describes the process of appraising trees so that every merchantable tree was measured. Mentions the Dominion Timber Company, Taurewa Sawmill, Kopu's Mill and the Tongariro Timber Company. Discusses bush sense and bush skills including food preparation and hunting. Discusses working with assisted immigrants, including `ten pound Poms' and Dutchmen, and their learning of local rules. Describes becoming a forest foreman for the Forest Service. Lists merchantable tree species. Describes his working tools. Comments on the logging of pristine matai on the eastern shore of Lake Taupo. Recalls his job as Appraisal Officer, shifting to Wellington to become Forest Ranger, moving to Reefton and teaching at the training school, the closure of the training school and becoming Officer in Charge at Whareama Tinui, Karioi and Waimahea (Kaingaroa). Comments on urban life and life in Reefton. Mentions his wife Elsie May and their two sons. Comments on the difference between logging native and exotic forest. Describes becoming District Ranger at Turangi, the discussion about Tongariro as a state forest park and the involvement of the Outdoor Pursuits Centre. Discusses forest fires, hunters clearing land for deer and fire fighting techniques. Recalls becoming Principal Forest Ranger at Head Office and then District Ranger at Gisborne. Describes the East Coast Forestry Project to stop erosion, increase diversity and provide employment. Discusses becoming Assistant conservator of operations at Palmerston North and his reaction to the stopping of logging in the Tongariro Forest. Discusses land use arguments, the Forest Service and Lands and Survey. Discusses the privatisation of the New Zealand Forest Service and its effects. Talks about becoming manager of the Hawkes Bay area until its sale to Carter Holt Harvey. Describes working for Landcorp in Rotorua and becoming a lifestyle farmer in Taumaranui. Comments on visiting indigenous forest at Pureora Forest Park. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2958. Colour photo of Ian Glennie