“Once it’s gone it’s too late,” King’s Birthday Honours recipient Stephen Kafka says.

“Protection of our environment has become very important to me.”

Stephen has received an Order of Merit for his services to conservation and wildlife research.

He is being recognised for his work in the wildlife conservation industry as he transports researchers to and from the New Zealand Subantarctic on his yacht and occasionally helps them ashore.

Stephen has extensive knowledge of the sub-Antarctic islands in the “furious fifties” latitudes, containing New Zealand’s Subantarctic World Heritage Area, and the specific challenges of navigation and safely landing expeditioners.

Over the 30 years he has worked in the industry, he says his most proud achievement is helping teams achieve their objectives and get home safely.

“I love the freedom of the sea, the challenges of the Southern Ocean and the wildlife and wilderness of the New Zealand Subantarctic Island.

“I spend much of my time in the New Zealand subantarctic, helping researchers working on albatross, penguin, sealion and southern right whale research.”

He was instrumental in the Antipodes Island Mouse eradication, the largest successful mouse eradication globally.

“We made a number of trips over a couple of years, transporting and supporting eradication teams and materials.

“It was a success because of the determination, dedication and hard work of the eradication teams, and it wasn’t always easy for them.

“Our first eradication trip to Antipodes was in mid-winter.

“The weather made it impossible to land anyone ashore for over a week.

“With little shelter, we hung on and eventually, a break of a few hours allowed us to unload everything necessary for the construction of the hut, which was necessary before the eradication project could begin.”

He is currently working on a project that will focus on the protection of birds.

“I’m preparing the boat for a trip to Pitcairn and Henderson islands for a “Royal Society for the Protection of Birds”.

“To help eradicate rats, which are decimating the seabird populations.”

Stephen says he hasn’t always been focused on conservation.

“I cared about the environment but knew nothing about conservation. I’m picking up what I can on the job.”

The London-born yachty was surprised and honoured to receive this recognition.

His story started with a hunger for adventure.

“Sandra [Kafka’s wife] and I bought a boat to sail the world with our three children. We were 29 years old and had never sailed before.”

The almost 70-year-old said he wanted to spend more time with his wife and his children and grandchildren in the future.

“I hope my indispensable crew carry on after I retire.”

To aspiring conservationists and wildlife researchers, he says: “It’s often cold, wet, boring, even downright miserable. To stick at it and make a difference you have to be totally committed.”

“Once it’s gone it’s too late.”