Mysteries, Chemtrails, Aerosols :: Mysterious NZ

[Melody Anderson]

Regretfully, we received a call this morning from the Marlborough Express to say that Betty Rowe is very ill and in hospital and may not return to the island.

The recent struggles with DOC have obviously taken their toll on Betty. This is sad news indeed...

Here is a copy of the story they will be running in the paper:

Arapawa Island animal advocate and goat campaigner Betty Rowe suffered a stroke on Anzac Day and is unlikely to return to the island home she loves.
Her son Mitch Rowe, of Picton, said his mother was in hospital and very unwell.
Her grandaughter Shannon Rowe will go to the island tomorrow to stay at least two months to look after the goats.
``It's in the blood. We had discussed what would be done if something like this happened. We always arranged I would step in we worked out a plan,'' she said.
``She is just such a rock at five foot nothing. With her blue eyes and adorable smile she always believed in standing on her own two feet. It's really sad to see her now,'' Ms Rowe said.

Emails have poured into a family friend on Arapawa Island from rare breed societies world wide, particularly the United States and Europe, concerned for her and the future of the rare goats she has fought for years to protect.
The Department of Conservation's Sounds area manager Roy Grose, who is responsible for the department's culling of Arapawa Island goats, speaks of his respect for Mrs Rowe.
``She is a woman ahead of her time. Thirty years ago it wasn't common for someone to stand up for a cause as she has and take on a large government department,'' (the then New Zealand Forest Service).
He said the department has tried to look for pathways through any conflict with Mrs Rowe and goat supporters.
``I respect her stance on things and it's a damn shame she has taken ill the way that she has,'' Mr Grose said.
Originally from the United States, the veteran wildlife guardian went to Arapawa Island with her late husband, Walt, 36 years ago.
They learned the distinctive Arapawa goats were believed to have descended from a pair of old English goats released on to the island by Captain Cook in 1773.
Mrs Rowe has always said they were scientifically and genetically important and deserved more than a bullet.
Within a year of living on the island she was writing letters to authorities to stop the culling by the then New Zealand Forest Service, now by the Department of Conservation.
Culling was usually done annually to protect the island's scenic reserve, which contained important Cook Strait forest and plant species.
Mrs Rowe set up a 120ha sanctuary to protect those goats she could save, doing a lot of the physical work herself even at the age of 76.
Mrs Rowe was in fighting mode again recently when DOC geared up for another goat cull. However, in March the department announced they would give goat supporters until September 1 to capture and take away any animals they could.
Mr Grose said this morning that date would be extended for another month.

[magical1]

I'm so sorry to hear that Melody...

[secondfield]

Here's to wishing her a speedy and full recovery.

[ruapaka]

My warmest thoughts to Betty, the crusader, and her family.

[Melody Anderson]

Sadly Betty Rowe died in hospital on Sunday morning. Our thoughts and condolences are with Betty's family...



http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4553660a6008.html

[Carus]

May Betty's efforts and wishes for her Arapawa goats be remembered and continue on even though she is no longer with us.

[smashdracs]

May what Betty stood for stand a long time.

My sincere condolences to Betty's family.

[secondfield]

Ditto