Sandy & Robin Toy are ecologists who have worked for 16 years as conservation volunteers in the mountains of Kahurangi National Park. Their book, Caring for Kahurangi — the inspiring story of Friends of Flora describes the 25-year journey of the community conservation group Friends of Flora. The story is set in the beech forest and tussock grasslands beneath the marbellous peaks of the Wharepapa|Arthur Range. The Toys weave adventures, science and magical encounters into a story about what is needed to look after our wild places and what can be achieved by volunteers. Beautifully illustrated by fellow volunteer and photographer Ruedi Mosimann, the book reveals the wonderous landscapes, the birds, lizards, invertebrates and plants that make the Flora such an extraordinary place. Their book is, to quote one reviewer, ‘a 300-page love letter in its honour’.
The trio have eclectic pasts. Sandy grew up in Kenya with leopards in the garden; Robin studied weevils in the rainforest canopy in Malaysia and, as a young fella, Ruedi explored the European Alps on his doorstep. All three gravitated to Aotearoa which they are now honoured to call home.