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Spectrum was a weekly radio documentary series which ran on Radio New Zealand's National station from 1972 to 2016. Alwyn Owen and Jack Perkins produced the series for many years, creating a valuable library of New Zealand oral history.
In this episode, Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board rangers and Jack Perkins make a tour by motor boat of the Park, departing from Sandspit Harbour.
Rangers Jack Sinkinson, Ben Thorpe and George Holmes are interviewed on board the motor boat as they make their way to Kawau Island and Mansion House Bay. Jack lives at Two House Bay. Ben Thorpe explains the history of Kawau, much of which is privately owned.
Kawau Island Ranger Jack Sinkinson tells of results of recent floods, and of the many daily activities of the rangers. A wallaby is spotted. These animals are overgrazing on Kawau and damaging the native bush.
Jack lists the other islands of the Gulf which the rangers are also responsible for.
The Hauraki Gulf Park Board have responsibilities including search and rescue, first aid, beaches, walking tracks, picnic and resting areas, and interpretation for the public.
They visit the site of the former copper mine on Kawau and Jack Sinkinson gives an outline of the history of the mine and the problem of the crumbling mine chimney and smelter house.
The next day on Rangitoto Island, ranger John Wisnewski [?] talks via radio with Dave Smith, the ranger on Little Barrier Island. John talks about his work with the many school groups which visit Rangitoto. There are five assistant rangers on the staff there - one of them named Kevin talks about his work.
John Wisnewski talks about the work his wife Betty also does. Betty recalls their years on remote Little Barrier Island, where they had to be very resourceful, with their children also helping out. Betty explains the work she did feeding the birds on the island and says she never had time to feel lonely.
Jack Perkins explains a legacy of deferred maintenance and the growing numbers of boat owners, are both putting pressure on the Park and its rangers.