Samara is co-director of Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR), which she founded in 2001. As Kamo High’s head prefect in 1998, she helped apply for a marine reserve in Whangārei Harbour. A PADI Divemaster and public speaker, she served as a Mountains to Sea trustee (2002–2019) and received the NZOM, Seaweek Ocean Champion, and Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader awards. Passionate about strategy, the ocean, and nudibranchs, she lives in Whananaki with her whānau.

With over 16 years’ experience, Kim leads regional work in Northland and Auckland, and supports national programme growth. She’s passionate about nature-based education and has developed key initiatives like the Īnanga Spawning Programme. Kim also founded the Whangarei Drains to Harbour campaign and has coordinated marine and freshwater education since 2003.

Patricia joined the Whitebait Connection team in 2021. She whakapapas to Ngāpuhi and grew up on a farm near Kaikohe. Now based in Waipu, her lifelong interest in freshwater stems from her rural upbringing. She holds a Bachelor's in Environmental and Earth Science and a Master's in Environmental Science with a focus on freshwater ecology. Being part of the WBC team allows her to combine her passions for freshwater ecology, education, and hands-on conservation.

Lorna, based in Auckland, began volunteering with EMR in 2013 while leading the Auckland University Underwater Club. She has managed the Auckland region since 2014 and now supports the national team. With a BSc in Biological and Marine Science, she’s also been a surf lifeguard and Divemaster. Her EMR work includes photography, videography, funding, and IT. Lorna has a lifelong love for the ocean and a special fondness for sunfish and their wonderfully clumsy swimming.

Holly is a seasoned marketing and communications professional turned environmental project manager, Holly lives in Whakatū Nelson where she draws inspiration and joy from her family and the natural world.

I joined the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and Whitebait Connection as Whangārei coordinator in May 2021. With a Master’s in Marine Biology and a background in osteopathy and corporate sales, I’ve returned to my passion—exploring and protecting our natural world. I’m excited to lead the NĪSHRP team in Te Tai Tokerau, supporting local communities and hapū to grow their capability and lead freshwater conservation in their own awa.

With a background in Media and Education, I’ve worked on fundraising and marketing in the not-for-profit sector. I joined MTSCT because, like many Kiwis, I believe we must protect our natural environment for future generations. The Mountains to Sea whānau does vital work empowering communities to care for waterways, and I’m excited to help spread the word and grow our impact.

Hollie joined the team in February 2022 as Finance and Administration Manager. With a Diploma in Business, Leadership and Management, she brings experience in accounts, admin, and operations across charities and corporates in NZ and Australia. Passionate about process improvement, she supports the Trust's backend functions so the team can thrive. After 10 years in Australia, she’s excited to help restore and protect Aotearoa’s freshwater and marine biodiversity.

Kia ora, I’m proud to be GM of Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust for Northland and Auckland, working with an amazing team to protect our environment. I hold a BSc and Master of Management, with a focus on sustainability and change. My thesis explored solar energy in NZ, reflecting my passion for renewable solutions. With a background in science and management, I aim to support people, planet, and prosperity. I love dolphins—their grace, social bonds, and joy inspire me deeply

I hold an MSc in Environmental Science (Freshwater Ecology) from the University of Auckland, where I studied macroinvertebrates in riverine wetlands. I’m passionate about connecting people—especially tamariki—with nature. Before joining Mountains to Sea, I ran a nature-based Playcentre programme and worked as a Nature Educator. I believe hands-on experiences in nature are key to inspiring kaitiakitanga and a love for our freshwater environments in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Andrea joined the Mountains to Sea team in July 2023 and is based in Whangārei. She holds an MSc in Ecology and has a background in conservation, including roles as a DOC technical advisor and Whangārei Operations and Improvement Manager. More recently, she supported communities with their taiao goals through Reconnecting Northland. Andrea is passionate about helping communities realise their aspirations and is excited to be part of the team.

I have been involved in EMR since 2011, first as regional coordinator, and now as an EMR Ambassador. I am a full time specialist science teacher at Highlands Intermediate in New Plymouth, and as part of this I run a Marine Studies Group. This connects learning for me and my tamariki to the best classroom - our moana. I also love connecting my students to marine scientists, and strongly advocate for citizen science.

I'm delighted to join the Mountains to Sea team as a Wai Connector for Te Kāhui o Taranaki. My background is in marine biology but am also fascinated by all things freshwater. In my spare time I enjoy macrophotography and am addicted to iNaturalist NZ. I also help with the protection of coastal birds and have led a number of related Curious Minds participatory science projects including Project Hotspot and Dotterel Defenders.

Kia ora, my name is Ray and I joined Whitebait Connection in 2021 as a coordinator in Northland. I am also an Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) coordinator. I have a Grad Dip in Primary Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies. I am a Northlander at heart and have a keen interest in freshwater and marine conservation and constantly amazed about how much we can learn from nature. Utilising my background in teaching I look forward to delivering the Whitebait Connection programme to schools in the North and helping communities to be more connected to their natural environment.

I joined Whitebait Connection in April 2022 as a cadet and loved the mahi so much that I’m becoming a fully endorsed coordinator. My life has always been outdoors, from farming to working in adventure tourism with kids. This experience has given me valuable skills in coordinating and hands-on tasks. I live in Whangārei, but I'm Northland born and raised, and I’m passionate about raising my family here in a place they can be proud to call home.

Kia ora, I'm excited to be part of the team since 2018. I am a registered teacher, as well as holding a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology. I have a passion for sharing environmental knowledge outside of the classroom, where children can be engaged with the content in hands on learning. I have experience teaching children of all ages and have specialized in freshwater ecology and monitoring, wildlife protection and waste management in previous environmental educator roles.

I am a coordinator for EMR. I have a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. I have experience working in various marine tourism, conservation and education settings as a PADI Divemaster, snorkel guide, assistant aquarist and research assistant. I joined the EMR team at the end of 2023 and am stoked to be delivering a program that is focused on education through experience. I resonate with this kaupapa and love the all-inclusive nature of our work.

On the horizon!

I am from whangaruru, an assistant coordinator at EMR since December 2023. Currently, I'm pursuing studies in environmental management.
Having grown up right next to the ocean, my passion lies in marine conservation and environmental protection. I aspire to educate our tamariki about the significance of safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Mihi ki ngā atua, ngā mate, ngā hunga ōra. Tēnā koutou, ko Tracey “Whaea T” Mita ahau. I’m passionate about connecting young people with Māori culture and the natural world through my work with Mountains to Sea - Experiencing Marine Reserves. I create opportunities for youth to engage with Māori deities like Waiti and Waita, integrating these cultural elements into hands-on experiences in freshwater and marine environments. My aim is to foster respect for Māori heritage and environmental stewardship in the next generation. Mauri ora.

I'm the NISHRP Northland Catchment Coordinator for Hokianga & Doubtless Bay. I joined Whitebait Connection in 2022. Growing up on a farm in Maromaku, Northland, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity Management. I then gained four years of experience in Freshwater Ecology with Northland Regional Council. I love being part of the Whitebait team, whether developing restoration plans, educating community groups, or sharing Northland’s aquatic biodiversity with tamariki.

I was born and raised in Whangārei, Northland. I was late to study as I spent my youth traveling, only to come home and realize the beauty Aotearoa holds. I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biodiversity Management in 2022 and have worked alongside Whitebait Connection throughout my studies. Their ongoing commitment and passion for the freshwater space are what excites me to be a part of their team coming into 2023.

Aloha mai kākou! I’m Tema’uonukuhiva (Tema’u) Te’ikitekahioho-Wolff, from Puna, Hawai’i. I’ve lived in Aotearoa since 2017. Raised in a Hawaiian language immersion school, I studied Marine Science and Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and earned a Master’s in Māori and Pacific Development from the University of Waikato in 2021. I speak English, Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Te Reo Māori. Now living in Karikari Peninsula, I’m passionate about integrating Indigenous knowledge and science in my work to restore local waterways.

Kia ora my name is Ceara! I adore all things marine related and have spent hundreds of hours on and under the water. I have a BSc in Biology and a background in eco-tourism and scientific diving. Originally born in South Africa, I have worked throughout Indo, the Pacific, Australia and Northland, which is where I consider home. This includes working a number of seasons at the Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve and more recently Maitai Bay rahui. My driving passion is conservation and I cannot wait to share the joy of our local ocean to communities through EMR.

My drive to preserve and restore natural systems is rooted in survival and instinct. I believe this is the dynamic challenge facing humanity and life today. Mountains to Sea uses the scientific method, kupu in communications, and evolving restoration practices to achieve conservation goals. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build relationships and collect data to support our mission. MTS operations involve kaitiaki, landowners, and agencies, working together to protect species and habitats for future abundance.

Tēnā tātou, ko Lilli Kolo tōku ingoa. I’m from Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Rahiri, and Te Aupōuri. I live in Ahiparapara and work in Kaitāia and Te Rarawa. As a Whitebait Connection Coordinator, I focus on restoring the rivers of Te Rarawa, working with schools and marae to teach tamariki and elders about freshwater monitoring. My passion for the Taiao and Māori culture was sparked growing up in the Bay of Islands. Now, I’m proud to contribute to the well-being of our Wai Māori and future generations. Ko te wai he manatanga, tuku iho.

I'm a Auckland Regional Coordinator and Deputy National Coordinator for EMR, as well as a WBC Coordinator. I started volunteering with EMR in 2016 and later became a coordinator. After studying biological science at the University of Auckland, I pursued a career in ecological conservation. I’m passionate about protecting the Hauraki Gulf’s marine life and am involved in several conservation projects. As a qualified snorkel instructor and rescue diver, I love helping kids build confidence in the water.

I manage communications in Tāmaki Makaurau, sharing the stories of the incredible mahi the Mountains to Sea team does to protect our environment. Huge respect to the coordinators who engage communities and connect people to their local waterways. I also work on the Te Whau Pathway Project, an off-road path along West Auckland’s Te Whau Estuary, following an old Māori portage route. This project is all about connecting people to green-blue spaces.

Kia ora! My name is Janey. I am passionate about nature, science and sustainable solutions, and I hold a BSc in Zoology — I've always been a nerd about everything related to animals (especially birds).

I bring hands-on experience in conservation gained from volunteer programmes with DOC and Auckland Council, and from working for 3 years at Sustainable Coastlines doing social media, event delivery and volunteer coordination. I love to gain experience in a little bit of everything and putting new knowledge into practice.

I have a life long love of water and its inhabitants, however it's been a windy road to be able to work directly with it! I hold a fine arts degree and a props and set construction diploma. I worked in creative community engagement and social impact for 8 years, transferring my skills to conservation and waste minimisation in 2020. I look forward to collaborating, listening and building resilience.

Zdravím vás, I’m Anastasia, a Programme Coordinator in Tāmaki Makaurau. I hold a BSc, PGDip, and MSc, where I studied microplastic and rubbish pollution in urban streams. Growing up outdoors across Aotearoa and drawing from my Slovak heritage, I’ve developed a deep connection to nature. I’m passionate about sharing the Whitebait Connection programme with my community in a way that honours emotional affinity. Now based in Maungawhau, I’m excited to learn more about our rohe and protect its waterways—always curious what’s around the next bend.

My name is Sarah and I am a member of the Auckland team with Whitebait Connection. I hold a BSc hons in Environmental science and after an extended OE recently returned to uni to complete a PgDipSci in Marine Science with the University of Auckland. I have travelled extensively and have been lucky enough to work as a SCUBA instructor, marine biology guide and TEFL educator worldwide. I am proud to be part of Whitebait Connection and really like the way hands on education can mobilise people to value their environment.

Kia Ora! I’ve been with the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust since 2022, working in the freshwater conservation space across Tāmaki Makaurau. Before this I was based in the Cook Islands supporting environmental NGO, Te Ipukarea Society and for over 10 years in resource management planning. I feel incredibly lucky to be out working in nature, where no two days are the same. It is a privilege to be able to share the wonders of Aotearoa’s stream-life with our communities, hopefully inspiring others to also care for te taiao.

Kia ora! I joined the Auckland team in March 2022. Originally from Ireland, I hold a BSc (Hons) in Zoology and recently submitted my PhD in Ecology at the University of Auckland. I’ve called Aotearoa home for almost 6 years. My conservation background includes primate projects in Southern Africa and bird behaviour research. I’m passionate about science outreach and love working with kids—our future. I feel privileged to now be part of freshwater education and conservation, a vital area of work.

Hana is excited to be part of the Wai Connection programme as a Catchment Coordinator in Rodney. She grew up in the Far North and now lives in Tauhoa on the Kaipara Harbour. With a BSc in Ecology & Biodiversity, she brings over ten years of experience in ecological restoration and community engagement. Hana is passionate about connecting people with Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity and supporting them to achieve their environmental goals.

I started volunteering with EMR in 2021 to see more marine life, but quickly fell in love with helping others connect with the moana through snorkeling. I grew up in Cornwall, UK, always in the sea, and have a strong bond with the ocean. Since moving to Aotearoa, I’ve joined various conservation projects that fuel my passion to protect our environment and keep learning. Penguins are my all-time favourite marine animals, but spotting a whale shark is at the top of my bucket list!

On the horizon!

I’m excited to join Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust for the launch of Tatai ki te Wai – the Wai Connection project. It’s a dream role that combines my background in environmental and water engineering with my passion for conserving and restoring te taiao. I hail from the mighty Waikato and was lucky to grow up on the foothills of the Kaimai Range (Ngāti Hinerangi whenua). My strong connection to local forests and streams is something I hope to share and help others foster in their own communities.

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Tēnā koutou katoa. He uri ahau nō Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, me Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Ko Chez Panapa tōku ingoa. My passion for Te Taiao comes from knowing everything is interconnected. With a background in environmental science and guided by kōrero tuku iho, I’m committed to meaningful ways of understanding and exploring the natural world. I aim to empower our capable tamariki and support community groups to protect and restore our precious taonga.

I’m the Whitebait Connection Program Coordinator at Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, where I get to combine my love for ecology, conservation, and community. I hold a PhD in avian behavioural and evolutionary ecology and have over six years of experience as an ecologist in consultancy, industry, and academia. I’m excited to share my skills in habitat assessment, biodiversity, and GIS to inspire future generations and support communities in reconnecting with their local environments through the WBC’s vital mahi.

I started volunteering with EMR in 2015 in both Auckland and Northland. Growing up in Northland, I spent lots of time in and around the water. After learning to scuba dive at the Poor Knights, I became hooked and trained as a dive instructor in 2007 while studying marine and environmental science. I’ve taught scuba and marine ecology overseas, worked at Kelly Tarlton’s and Auckland Zoo, and in 2020 returned to my watery roots with EMR. I love helping people explore their marine backyard—and I’m always keen to hear your favourite sea creature!

I am a coordinator for the EMR program. I have a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology, Ecology and Biodiversity and have previously worked in research and eco-tourism roles in Australia, Maldives and New Zealand (Coromandel) where i now call home. Ever since i was a little kid i have had a driving passion for marine conservation and have since spent as much time possible on and under the water. I cannot wait to share my knowledge and passion to local communities by delivering an awesome program that is focused on education through experience.

I grew up in Canberra but moved to the coast as soon as I could to surf and dive. I studied Environmental Science, plus Spanish and Latin American Studies, and began my career in the Marine Division of the Australian Government. Craving the ocean, I left to study dolphins in South Australia and advocate for marine conservation in Vanuatu. After sailing to NZ, I settled in Taranaki—ocean at my doorstep! I was the Enviroschools Regional Coordinator before having two boys, and I’m now stoked to be the EMR Regional Coordinator. I love surfing and growing food.

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I am the Taranaki Regional Coordinator for Wai Connection – Tatai Ki Te Wai, as part of Wild for Taranaki. I joined this amazing team in July 2024, bringing with me a master's in Cultural Studies and two decades of experience
in project management and community engagement. My passion lies in fostering community collaboration as I believe that community organizations/groups are a powerful motor for social and environmental change. Originally from Germany, I moved to Taranaki in
2016. My heart is in te taiao, and I'm thrilled to contribute my skills and experience to this crucial kaupapa.

I’m from Whanganui, proudly of Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi. Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au. My deep connection to wai māori comes from being a descendant of Te Awa Tupua. After studying Zoology and Environmental Science at Massey, I worked as a freshwater ranger with Te Kaahui o Rauru. Now I'm excited to continue as Kaihaapai Tatai ki te Wai with MTS. A self-certified bush and river baby, I love hiking, waterfalls, and my favourite ika is the piharau—he manawa piharau!

Kia ora, Ko Nicky tōku ingoa. As a marine biologist, I’ve worked with Curious Minds kororā (the world’s smallest penguins!) kōrero project, and joined Taranaki divers monitoring changing habitats in and around our Marine Reserves. It’s exciting to bring my Mountains to Sea training to freshwater habitats, and support communities to connect with their Awa and taonga species – especially our declining native whitebait species. I’m also a freediving instructor so you can expect to see me exploring both on and under the water!

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Dr. Sarah Boyle joined Mountains to Sea as Regional Co-ordinator for the Wai Connection Programme in 2024. She has a background in environmental restoration planning & implementation, and as a teacher of Biology/Science at both secondary and primary school. Key qualifications include a Marine & Freshwater Biology degree, Fisheries Masters, PhD in Antarctic Microbiology and Diploma in Teaching. As a thalassophile, she is focused on effectively working with catchment groups to help improve the state of our precious waterways from mountains to sea.

I'm from Turanga(Gisborne). I am the Inanga spawning project coordinator for the Tairawhiti region. I love the outdoors & am passionate about taking care of our whenua, awa & moana through communities working together. I was an enviroschools facilitator growing sustainable schools, rangatahi & communities, supporting learning, exploration, connection & action projects within their local environment. I get a real buzz when communities come together to connect with their whenua, ngahere & awa to create & carry out action to restore their place.

Tena Koutou Katoa
Ko Kuipeka.
Ko Anne-Marie au.
I am excited to be part of the Wai Connection team in Tairawhiti and support our catchments in bringing their aspirations to life.
My background in Adventure Tourism took me all around the world but it is my passion for the outdoors and the connection to the people that got me to settled in Aotearoa. I naturally progressed towards environmental education where I thrive to connect people to Papatuanuku.

Sam Gibson, aka Sam the Trap Man, is an experienced East Coast catchment coordinator with expertise in biodiversity, predator control, funding solutions, and mahinga kai. Co-founder of Eastern Whio Link, Sam has led cyclone recovery efforts, pioneered on-farm predator control, and contributed to Recloaking Papatuanuku. A passionate advocate for conservation, Sam is also a dad, hunter, surfer, and forager. He shares his mahi widely as a presenter, author, and via his popular platform, Sam the Trap Man.

Kia ora, I manage He Awa Ora, He Tai Ora Trust, the regional provider for EMR and WBC programmes in Tairawhiti. As an endorsed coordinator, I’ve been delivering these programmes since 2012 to schools, iwi, hapū, and community groups. I have gained valuable skills in marine and freshwater environments through water monitoring and quality assessments for councils and iwi. Passionate about inspiring tamariki and the community, I strive to foster hands-on learning for the next generation.

Kia ora, my name is Joe Palmer, I have been an EMR coordinator since 2008 in the Gisborne region. The Gisborne regional umbrella company is Nga Mahi te Taiao, operated by my father Murray Palmer. I am an NZQA Snorkel Instructor. My favourite marine creature is Paua. I enjoy diving, big wave surfing, fishing and water sports. I am a proud dad to 2 children.

My family have been delivering the Experiencing Marine Reserves and Whitebait Connection programmes in the Gisborne region for many years. When I began studying a Bachelor of applied science (communication and environment) in 2020 I discovered that what they are doing is where I need to be.
I became an endorsed EMR coordinator and formally joined the Gisborne team in 2021.
Giving whanau a snorkel experience, watching people's confidence grow in and out of the water and listening to how much they enjoyed it make this mahi incredibly rewarding.

I grew up in Paekākāriki, immersed in nature. After studying marine biology and philosophy, I earned a BSc and Masters in Marine Conservation. I worked as an environmental science technician in water quality and ecology, expanding my knowledge into freshwater environments. Now, as catchment coordinator for Wai Connection - Tatai Ki Te Wai, I’m excited to support the Hawke's Bay community in protecting and enhancing our wai, from the mountains to the sea.

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Nō Te Matau a Māui ahau. I have a degree in community psychology and my background is in community education and community development. I am very excited about working with hapori to tautoko their knowledge and interest of living sustainably with, and looking after, te taiao.

Growing up in Hawkes Bay, I struggled in the classroom, so I sought knowledge outside. I became a self-employed scaffold contractor, exploring pathways to deepen my passion. My connection to Tangaroa led me to live in my Turangawaewae and share Tikanga and Matauranga to keep our whanau safe. Through my Charitable Trust, Tangata o te Wai, we offer Water Safety and Dive Education to whanau. I’m excited to collaborate with Mountains to Sea and share these opportunities with you!

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I’ve been the Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka coordinator for Mountains to Sea Trust since 2016, building on Megan Wilson’s work. My background in adventure started in 1991, leading outdoor groups and teaching white water rafting and sea kayaking in Canada and Switzerland. I trained as a primary teacher to educate outside the classroom. Passionate about marine reserves, I focus on protecting local fish species and habitats. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and exploring local waterways.

Growing up in Hawaii with a fisherman as a father and the sea on my doorstep primed me for a lifetime fascination and curiosity with the sea. I started working on a marine research vessel in my high school years and after completing a Bachelor of Marine Biology at Humboldt State University I worked on the high seas as a scientific observer in Alaska, NZ, Mauritius, and Antarctica. The adventure continues as I now get to share my enthusiasm and love of the ocean and rivers with the next generation through Tasman Bay Guardians!

Mel has 13 years of experience delivering Whitebait Connection freshwater education in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough. Since 2006, she’s coordinated the “Wai Māori Streamcare” project, integrating cultural values and kaitiakitanga with science. Passionate about safeguarding freshwater resources, she holds qualifications in conservation, environmental science, iwi environmental management, communications, and te reo Māori Level 3. Mel also coordinates the Nelson “Drains to Harbour” program for Tasman Bay Guardians.

I love the mountains, rivers, oceans, and wild places. With a BSc in Environmental Science and Botany and a Diploma in Environmental Management, I’ve spent years pursuing my environmental passions. After being involved in long-term water quality monitoring in wetlands, I’m now working with MTS & Tasman Bay Guardians to make real change in our waterways. I believe the health of our waterways is crucial to our wellbeing as a people.

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Kia ora! I’m Shelley McMurtrie, Director and Principal Scientist at EOS Ecology with 24 years of experience in aquatic ecosystems. I lead the science team, author publications on aquatic systems, and review resource consents. I’ve developed management plans for catchments and endangered species protection. I also supervise MSc students and review peer research. My work focuses on improving the management and health of waterways through collective action.

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