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194: Summer as a DOC Ranger on Stewart Island and Women in Trades with Brooke Thompson
Episode 19418th September 2026 • Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast • Abigail Hannah
00:00:00 00:59:13

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Brooke Thompson AKA @sparkygirlnz is a self-proclaimed 'South Island snob' passionate about the beauty of her Southland home. She shares about the summer she spent working for DOC on Stewart Island, after signing up to volunteer with the dotterel team and being brought across as a sparky instead. Brooke talks about fixing the solar systems in the huts, a hut ranger stint on the Rakiura Track, and doing track maintenance from Freshwater Hut to Mason Bay. Brooke previously guided two summer on the Milford Track, after a spiritual moment that lead her there. She reflects on starting her apprenticeship unable to name a single female electrician, to advocating for culture change within the trades industries and better working conditions for all. Brooke proves that you can carve your own path in life and shares advice for others that are finding their purpose.

Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can't wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :)

Follow Brooke on Instagram: https://instagram.com/sparkygirlnz/

Follow Aotearoa Adventures on Instagram: https://instagram.com/aotearoa_adventures_/

Follow Abigail on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailhannnah/

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