Wild Hero 2020: Celebrating Lala Frazer

Every thriving landscape has people working quietly behind the scenes to protect it. On Otago Peninsula, Lala Frazer has been one of those people for more than four decades.

The New Zealand Festival of Nature is proud to recognise Lala Frazer as a Wild Hero, celebrating a lifetime of dedication to restoring habitats, protecting wildlife and inspiring communities to care for the places they call home.

Since moving to Broad Bay in the late 1970s, Lala has played a leading role in some of the Peninsula's most significant conservation successes. What began as a campaign to oppose an aluminium smelter soon grew into something much bigger, helping establish Save the Otago Peninsula (STOP), an organisation that has transformed thousands of hectares through native planting, habitat restoration and predator control.

Working alongside landowners, volunteers and local organisations, Lala helped pioneer revegetation projects across the Peninsula, protecting bush remnants, restoring wetlands and creating wildlife corridors that continue to support native birds, reptiles and freshwater species today.

Her impact extends well beyond planting trees. Lala was instrumental in establishing the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, helping restore breeding habitat for one of the world's rarest penguins while promoting the health of entire coastal ecosystems. That work also laid the foundations for what would become the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, ensuring injured native wildlife could receive specialist care close to home.

Behind every successful project has been countless hours of work that many never see. From preparing funding applications and writing submissions to appearing at hearings and bringing people together around a shared vision, Lala has shown that lasting conservation is built on persistence, collaboration and community.

Wild Dunedin Co-founder and Co-chair Neil Harraway said Lala's influence can be seen across every corner of Otago Peninsula.

"Lala embodies everything Wild Dunedin stands for. She has dedicated decades to protecting the Peninsula's incredible wildlife and landscapes, often without seeking recognition. Her leadership, persistence and ability to bring communities together have left an incredible legacy. We are proud to recognise her as a Wild Hero and celebrate the lasting impact she has had on both nature and the people who care for it."

The Wild Hero Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to protecting, celebrating and advocating for New Zealand's natural environment.

For Lala Frazer, it is a fitting recognition of a lifetime spent ensuring that Otago Peninsula remains one of New Zealand's most remarkable places for wildlife to thrive.

Thank you, Lala, for your tenacity, commitment and mahi.