What's up dog?

Meet Jamie - the certified conservation dog protecting the Hauraki Gulf. Jamie is a trained springer spaniel with a big mission and an even bigger heart. As a fully certified conservation dog, she's qualified to work around some of Aotearoa's most endangered species an honour that speaks to her exceptional training, focus, and calm nature. Working with Auckland Council's Biosecurity team under the guidance of advisor Brian Shields, Jamie is tasked with detecting Argentine ants in high-risk goods headed to the Hauraki Gulf islands. These invasive ants may be small, but their impact on native wildlife and ecosystems can be devastating. Thanks to Jamie's sharp nose, infestations are often stopped before they start helping to protect our biodiversity and saving ratepayers from costly eradication efforts down the track. But Jamie's role goes far beyond detection. She helps us tell the story. Whether she's in the field or in the classroom, Jamie is a natural advocate for conservation. She connects with tamariki and communities, making the complex world of biosecurity both relatable and inspiring. Jamie isn't just a working dog she's a guardian of our islands, a storyteller for our environment, and a true champion for the taonga species she helps protect every day.