Governance

Sheila (Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi) is a daughter of Te Tai Tokerau who grew up in small towns across Te Ika a Māui, building a strong connection to community and environment. A Chartered Accountant with public and private sector experience, she values strategic insight to help organisations stay relevant and sustainable. Sheila is a passionate business professional and civil servant focused on positive impact.

Kat is a marine scientist and lecturer based in Northland, New Zealand. She led Greenpeace’s 2025 Seamount Expedition, co-designing a deep-sea survey to document biodiversity and assess human impacts. With expertise in marine ecology and community engagement, she works to protect and restore coastal ecosystems.

Patrick is a career lawyer, admitted in Scotland in the 90s and in New Zealand in 2008. He has worked in private practice, government roles, and the commercial sector, including the Crown Law Office, the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Markets Authority, KPMG, Southern Cross Healthcare, and Accordant Group. He chaired an Auckland Community Law Centre and holds an MBA from the University of Otago (2018) and a Chartered Company Secretary qualification (2022).

Vicky is a passionate communicator dedicated to positive social and environmental impact. With 15+ years’ experience in NZ and abroad, she’s worked in the not-for-profit sector since 2019. She is the Comms and Advocacy Lead at Environment Hubs Aotearoa and brings expertise in communication for impact, advocacy, and community engagement. Vicky holds degrees in Communication Studies and Film Documentary. Originally from Brazil, she now lives sustainably with her husband and son in Whangārei.

Finley is an environmental conservationist from Hawke’s Bay studying toward an LLB at Victoria University of Wellington. A Trustee of Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, he champions youth involvement and community advocacy. Finley also serves on the board of Our Seas Our Future, the Wellington City Youth Council, and the Wellington Community Justice Project, working to protect coastal ecosystems and build a sustainable future.

Tom is a sustainability specialist. He’s currently Beca’s Director of Sustainability - Handprint, and has worked in similar roles across Australasia over the past two decades. Having also studied Zoology and Marine Biology, Tom has a wide range of understanding and experience that’s highly relevant to our kaupapa. We’re excited he’s chosen to share his expertise with us.

Jay is a Director of accountancy firm Orb360, and has current governance roles with Waitakere Cricket Club and India New Zealand Business Council. As well as bringing additional financial nous to the Board, Jay has experience engaging with a wide variety of ethnic communities and networks across Aotearoa. We’re grateful to have his diverse set of skills and understanding on the board.

Celia has forged a career in the environmental sector, focused on enabling hapū and iwi-led kaitiakitanga. She brings more than a decade’s worth of governance and management experience across a range of environmental organisations. Celia is currently undertaking Masters research in Marine Science and mātauranga Māori, focused on the health and sustainability of tuatua populations in Te Kohanga, Ahipara. We’re delighted to have her expertise as part of our whānau.