What should an outdoors-loving boy do for a job, when he leaves school? Chris Nelson wanted to be a farmer, but in the 1960's, farming opportunities were scant. His love of the outdoors led him to forestry, and a fulfilling, exciting, lifelong career in the North Island forests of Aotearoa.

Once a Forest Ranger offers a fascinating insight into decades of sweeping changes in New Zealand forestry management, driven by political ideology and changing attitudes to the natural landscape. It brims with anecdotes of hunting, bush mishaps, quirky characters, hilarious reflections and quiet feats of strength and courage.

Chris's personal story is woven throughout, encompassing a fraught childhood, youthful overseas travel tales, family and health challenges. His deep love for his family shines through and Chris pays tribute to a mother who battled to raise him and his sisters well, despite their father's alcohol-fuelled transience.

Once a Forest Ranger is an important account of a key New Zealand industry in turbulent times. Equally it is a story of a man determined to make the best of himself in a life laden with challenges and opportunities.