Samara served as a Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust trustee from 2002 to 2019 and is one of our two directors. She founded our national marine programme Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) in 2001. She is a PADI Divemaster and public speaker, a Seaweek Ocean Champion and a NZOM recipient. She was also the first female winner of the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader award. Passionate about strategy, the ocean, and nudibranchs, she lives in Whananaki with her whānau. Read more about Samara under About us > Directors.

Kim has been involved in with Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust for over 20 years and is one of our two directors. She leads regional work in Northland and Auckland, and supports national programme growth. Kim is passionate about nature-based education and has developed key initiatives like the Īnanga Spawning Programme. Kim also founded the Whangarei Drains to Harbour campaign. Read more about Kim under About us > Directors.

Pat (Ngāpuhi) grew up on a farm near Kaikohe and joined the Whitebait Connection team in 2021. She holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Science with a focus on freshwater ecology. Being part of the Whitebait Connection team has allowed Pat to combine her passions for freshwater ecology, education, and hands-on conservation.

Lorna began volunteering with our Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme in 2013, and managed the Auckland region before joining the National Leadership team in the marine role. She has a BSc in Biological and Marine Science, Divemaster qualifications and has been she’s also been a surf lifeguard. Many of the photos on the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust website were taken by Lorna, who 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, with a focus on Wai Connection. Holly is passionate about the environment and draws inspiration and joy from her family and the natural world.

Nicholas joined the Trust in 2021 and now leads the Northland Īnanga Spawning Habitat Restoration Project (NĪSHRP) and the National Īnanga Spawning Program (NĪSP). With M.Sc. degrees in Marine Science and also Osteopathy, he brings strong academic and practical knowledge to freshwater conservation. A lifelong love of water, sparked by a childhood stream, drives his passion. Supporting hapū, iwi, and communities to protect local waterways is a privilege he values deeply.

Konrad has a background in Media and Education, and working on fundraising and marketing in the not-for-profit sector. He joined Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust because - like many Kiwis - he believes we must protect our natural environment for future generations. He believes Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust does vital work empowering communities to care for waterways, and he's loves spreading the word about the impact or our work.

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.

Andrea joined the Mountains to Sea team in July 2023 and holds a Master of Science degree in Ecology. She has a background in conservation, including roles as a Department of Conservation as Technical Advisor, Operations Manager, and Improvement Manager. Andrea has also previously worked with Reconnecting Northland, supporting communities with their taiao goals. Andrea is the Regional Manager for freshwater programmes, and is passionate about helping communities to achieve their aspirations for their freshwater restoration projects.

Ray joined us in 2021 both a coordinator for both our freshwater and marine programmes. He has a Grad Dip in Primary Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies. He is a Northlander at heart and has a keen interest in freshwater and marine conservation. He is constantly amazed about how much we can learn from nature. He uses his background in teaching to help schools and communities be more connected to their natural environment.

Tracey joined Mountains to Sea in 2022 as a cadet and immediately fell in love with the mahi, so much so that she became a fully endorsed coordinator for all our programmes. Her life has always been intertwined with the outdoors, whether through farming or working in adventure tourism with kids. This rich experience has equipped her with fantastic skills in coordinating and delivering engaging, hands-on experiences. She truly cares about raising her family in Northland, a place she feels incredibly proud to call home.

Rosie is excited to be part of the team since 2018. She is a registered teacher and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Zoology. She has 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.

Pippa has a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. She has experience working in various marine tourism, conservation and education settings as a PADI Divemaster, snorkel guide, assistant aquarist and research assistant. She is stoked to be delivering the Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme as it focused on education through experience. This kaupapa resonates strongly with Pippa who loves the all-inclusive nature of her work.

Roxy is from Whangaruru and is pursuing studies in environmental management. Having grown up right next to the ocean, her passion lies in marine conservation and environmental protection. Roxy aspires to educate tamariki about the significance of safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Tracey (Whaea T) is passionate about connecting young people with Māori culture and the natural world through her work in the marine space. She loves creating 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. Her aim is to foster respect for Māori heritage and environmental stewardship in the next generation. Mauri ora!

Alexandria is the NĪSHRP Northland Catchment Coordinator for Hokianga and Doubtless Bay. She grew up on a farm in Maromaku in Northland. Alex has a Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity Management and has four years of experience in Freshwater Ecology with Northland Regional Council. She loves being part of the freshwater team, developing restoration plans, educating community groups and sharing Northland’s aquatic biodiversity with tamariki.

Greer was born and raised in Whangārei, Northland. She was late to study as she spent her youth traveling, only to come home and realise the beauty Aotearoa holds. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biodiversity Management and has worked in Whitebait Connection for several years. Greer's ongoing commitment and passion for the freshwater space motivates her - and the groups she engages with - each day.

Tema’uonukuhiva (Puna, Hawai’i) - also called Tema’u - has lived in Aotearoa since 2017, and now lives on the Karikari Peninsula. Raised in a Hawaiian language immersion school, Tema’u studied Marine Science and Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and earned a Master’s Degree in Māori and Pacific Development from the University of Waikato in 2021. Tema’u is multilingual (speaking English, Hawaiian, Marquesan and Māori) and is passionate about integrating Indigenous knowledge and science to restore local waterways.

Ceara adores all things marine and has spent hundreds of hours on and under the water. She has a BSc in Biology and a background in eco-tourism and scientific diving. Originally born in South Africa, she has worked throughout Indo, the Pacific, Australia and Northland (my home now). Her current work has involved a number of seasons at the Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve and on the Maitai Bay rāhui. Her driving passion is conservation and she loves sharing the joy of our local ocean with communities through the EMR.

Briar is a freshwater ecologist with a Master of Environmental Science degree from University of Auckland), specialising in macroinvertebrates. She is passionate about connecting communities—especially tamariki—with te taiao, and enjoys in īnanga spawning assessments and community-based freshwater monitoring. With over ten years of not-for-profit experience, she manages the Auckland freshwater team by advising on strategies and ensuring Auckland projects have a lasting impact.

Teresa is proud to work alongside a dedicated team across Auckland and Northland, committed to protecting and preserving our environment. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Management, specialising in sustainability and change. Her thesis focused on the role of solar energy in New Zealand, reflecting her deep passion for renewable solutions. With a strong foundation in both science and management, Teresa is driven to make a meaningful impact—supporting both people and the planet in every way she can.

Sophie is the Auckland Regional Coordinator and Deputy National Coordinator for Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) and also delivers programmes in the freshwater space. She started volunteering with EMR in 2016. After studying biological science at the University of Auckland, she pursued a career in ecological conservation. Sophie is passionate about protecting the Hauraki Gulf’s marine life and is involved in several conservation projects. As a qualified snorkel instructor and rescue diver, she also loves helping kids to build confidence in the water.

Janey is passionate about nature, science and sustainable solutions, and holds a BSc in Zoology. She's always been a nerd about everything related to animals - especially birds! Janey has 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. She loves putting new knowledge into practice.

Rhiannon has always loved water. After moving from England early on, she grew up exploring Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek) in Ōwairaka, Tāmaki Makaurau. Her career path to the environmental field wasn’t direct. She studied fine arts and worked in film, TV, and social impact. In 2020, she shifted to conservation through an internship at Sustainable Coastlines. Now, she brings her creativity and community engagement skills to Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust as a Connector with Wai Connection in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Anastasia has a Master of Science degree from the University of Auckland, where she studied microplastic and rubbish pollution in urban streams. Growing up outdoors across Aotearoa, she built a connection to streams, wading through them and always wanting to explore what lies around the next bend. She enjoys sharing our Whitebait Connection programme in ways that honour emotional affinity. Now based in Maungarei / Mount Wellington, she likes learning more about the rohe and continuing to care for our waterways.

Sarah holds a BSc Hons in Environmental science and after an extended OE recently completed a PgDipSci in Marine Science with the University of Auckland. She has travelled extensively and have been lucky enough to work as a SCUBA instructor, marine biology guide and TEFL educator. She is proud to be part of Whitebait Connection and really likes the way that hands-on education can mobilise people to value their environment.

Kate has been with Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust since 2022, focusing on freshwater conservation across Tāmaki Makaurau. She holds a Master's Degree in Planning Practice and has over 15 years’ experience in local resource management, plus six years in environmental non-profits. Kate is passionate about community-driven environmental action and loves sharing the wonders of te taiao with others.

Aileen is originally from Ireland and holds a BSc (Hons) in Zoology. She recently submitted her PhD in Ecology to the University of Auckland. She's called Aotearoa home for almost six years. but her background includes primate projects in Southern Africa and bird behaviour research. She's passionate about science outreach and loves working with kids—our future. She feels 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.

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

Callum is from Christchurch and holds an MSc in Marine Biology from Victoria University. Before joining us in 2023, he worked in Fisheries at the Ministry for Primary Industries. Passionate about the ocean, he loves connecting people of all backgrounds and abilities to the marine environment.

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Chez (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) has a background in environmental science and is guided by kōrero tuku iho. He is committed to meaningful ways of understanding and exploring the natural world and aims to empower our capable tamariki and community groups to protect and restore our precious taonga. Chez's passion for Te Taiao comes from knowing everything is interconnected.

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!

Grac is our Volunteer Coordinator and an Assistant Delivery Coordinator. They joined Mountains to Sea as one of two summer interns for our marine programme, Experiencing Marine Reserves. Growing up in the Waitākeres, they developed a passion for connecting community and te taiao. This love spans both terrestrial and marine spaces; Grac has a BA/BSc in Anthropology and Marine Science, and a diverse volunteer experience. As a young, queer, disabled person Grac strives to improve accessibility and intersectionality in conservation spaces for all. Their favourite animal is a Tuna kūwharuwharu.

Sophie is passionate about marine conservation and advocacy. She has a background in marine science and biological sciences from University of Auckland and is currently undertaking her Master’s degree. Sophie started off as a volunteer snorkel guide with EMR over the 23-24 season, then joined the team as an intern over the 24-25 season. You'll see Sophie often out in the ocean in her snorkelling gear - she loves seeing tamariki build their confidence in the moana!

Jorja has a B.Sc. in Marine Biology, Ecology and Biodiversity and has previously worked in research and eco-tourism roles in Australia, Maldives and New Zealand. She currently calls the Coromandel home. Ever since she was a little kid, she has had a driving passion for marine conservation and has spent as much time possible on and under the water. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion with local communities by delivering an awesome programme focused on education through experience.

Stella grew up boating, diving, and exploring the Coromandel coastline. Her deep love for the ocean led her to complete a BSc in Marine Conservation and Aquaculture. While studying in Nelson, she volunteered with Tasman Bay Guardians, leading snorkel days and marine education. Stella is passionate about marine protected areas and loves using her knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire others to experience the underwater world and care for their local marine environments.

Pat has been involved in EMR since 2011, first as regional coordinator, and now as an EMR Ambassador. He is a full time specialist science teacher at Highlands Intermediate in New Plymouth, and as part of this he runs a Marine Studies Group. This connects his students to the best classroom - the moana. He also loves connecting students to marine scientists, and strongly advocates for citizen science.

Rachel grew up in Canberra and moved to the coast as soon as she could surf and dive. She holds qualifications in Environmental Science, as well as Spanish and Latin American Studies. Rachel began her career in the Marine Division of the Australian Government. Craving the open ocean, she left to study dolphins in South Australia and to advocate for marine conservation in Vanuatu. After sailing to New Zealand, she settled in Taranaki— with the ocean at he doorstep! She has two sons, loves surfing and enjoys growing food.

Emily has a background in marine biology but is also fascinated by all things freshwater. In her spare time she enjoys macrophotography and is addicted to iNaturalist NZ. She also protects coastal birds through Curious Minds participatory science projects including Project Hotspot and Dotterel Defenders. Emily actively works with Te Kāhui o Taranaki.

Lisa is the Taranaki Regional Coordinator as part of Wild for Taranaki, which she joined in 2024. She holds a Masters in Cultural Studies and two decades of experience in project management and community engagement. Her passion lies in fostering community collaboration as she believes that community organisations and groups are a powerful motor for social and environmental change. Originally from Germany, Lisa moved to Taranaki in 2016. Her heart is in te taiao, and she's thrilled to contribute her skills and experience to this crucial kaupapa o te wai ora.

Timara (Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi) has a deep connection to wai māori, being a descendant of Te Awa Tupua. She has studied Zoology and Environmental Science at Massey and has worked as a freshwater ranger with Te Kaahui o Rauru, whom she still works with now. A self-certified bush and river baby, she loves hiking and waterfalls.
"Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au."

Nicky is a marine biologist who has worked with Curious Minds kororā (the world’s smallest penguins!) kōrero project, and is a diver monitoring changing habitats in and around Taranaki's Marine Reserves. She now brings her expertise to freshwater habitats, supporting communities with their awa and taonga species – especially our declining native whitebait species. Nicky's also a freediving instructor so you can expect to see her exploring both on and under the water!

Darlene is a Wai Coordinator who works with Te Ihowai and other groups as part of the Wai Connection project.

Brett is a Wai Coordinator who works with Te Ihowai as part of his mahi through the Wai Connection project.

Timoti King started working for Te Kāhui o Taranaki in 2023 as the Jobs for Nature Maara Coordinator. He is now the Ringa Hāpai (support person) for the Taiao team and involved in many different Taiao projects

Kirsty is the Īnanga spawning project coordinator for the Tairawhiti region. She loves the outdoors & am passionate about taking care of our whenua, awa & moana through communities working together. Previous she was an enviroschools facilitator growing sustainable schools, rangatahi & communities, supporting learning, exploration, connection and action projects within their local environment. She loves seeing communities come together to connect with their whenua, ngahere & awa to create and carry out action to restore their spaces.

Anne-Marie enjoys being part of the Wai Connection team in Tairawhiti, supporting our catchments in bringing their aspirations to life.
Her background in Adventure Tourism took her around the world but it is her passion for the outdoors and a connection to the people that brought her to settle in Aotearoa New Zealand where she thrives in environmental education and connecting people to Papatūānuku.

Amy-Rose has been delivering our marine and freshwater programmes since 2012 to schools, hapū and community groups. Her background has involved water monitoring and quality assessments for councils and iwi. Amy-Rose manages He Awa Ora, He Tai Ora Trust where she focuses on inspiring tamariki and communities, striving to foster hands-on learning for the next generation.

Joe has been an Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) coordinator since 2008 in the Gisborne region. The Gisborne regional umbrella company is Nga Mahi te Taiao and is operated by his father Murray Palmer. Joe is a NZQA Snorkel Instructor who enjoyes diving, big wave surfing and fishing. His favourite marine creature is Paua and he is the proud dad of two wonderful children.

Hana's family have been delivering the Experiencing Marine Reserves and Whitebait Connection programmes in the Gisborne region for years. When she began studying a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in 2020, she discovered that what also the space she needed to be. She became an endorsed Experiencing Marine Reserve (EMR) Coordinator and joined the Gisborne team in 2021. Hana loves giving whanau snorkel experiences, watching people's confidence grow in and out of the water and listening to how much they enjoyed it!

Jane grew up in Paekākāriki, immersed in nature, and holds a Masters of Science in Marine Conservation. She has worked as an environmental science technician in water quality and ecology and enjoys supporting Hawke's Bay communities in protecting and enhancing our wai, from the mountains to the sea.

Jae has a degree in community psychology and a background in community education and community development. She is 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, Robert struggled in a classroom setting and sought knowledge outside. His connection to Tangaroa led him to live on his own Turangawaewae and want to share Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori to keep our whanau safe. Through his Charitable Trust, Tangata o te Wai, he offers Water Safety and Dive Education to whanau. He is excited to share his opportunities with others!

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Coming soon

Jorge, an ocean enthusiast from Madrid, Spain, drove his passion for the sea into a career. After a BSc in Biotechnology, he volunteered in Indonesia at a turtle center, discovering his love for marine conservation education. This led him to an MSc in Marine Conservation in Wellington. While studying, he took students snorkeling in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, a hands-on experience that connected him to the EMR program and the trust.

I'm excited to join the Mountains to Sea Wellington team as the Whitebait Connection Coordinator. My passion for the outdoors started young; I decided to become a Marine Biologist at age eight. With a Master's in Marine Conservation, I love sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with students, teachers, parents, and the public. In my spare time, you'll find me enjoying marine and freshwater activities outdoors.

Kia ora koutou! Ko Joe tōku ingoa. Hailing from South Wales, my passion for freshwater began dramatically in the US when a large crawdad grabbed my ankle, sparking a lifelong love. Now an "eel wrestling professional" with Mountains to Sea Wellington, I live for forging those same connections between tamariki (children) and their local waterways. Providing experiential education opportunities—and seeing the kids' faces light up as they commit to making a difference—is incredibly rewarding.

Howdy! My name is Veronica (or Roni), and I'm a Whitebait Connection Coordinator in Wellington. I moved here from Texas in 2018 to study marine conservation.

While studying, I volunteered for Mountains to Sea Wellington as both a snorkel guide and on freshwater field trips. I officially joined the team in 2019. This role lets me combine my passion for teaching and connecting children to nature. I also help develop freshwater monitoring training for citizen scientists. My goal is to become an effective science communicator for all age groups.

Abbey serves as the Catchment Coordinator for Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Porirua, and Te Awa Kairangi.

Her lifelong love for the outdoors is rooted in a strong passion for protecting the wai (water) and whenua (land). After completing her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Ecology and Biodiversity last year, she joined the Mountains to Sea Wellington team in July 2023. She is excited to help people and tamariki build hands-on connections with te taiao (the environment) and inspire a sense of kaitiakitanga (stewardship) within the community.

Alice joined the Mountains to Sea Wellington team as a Whitebait Connection Coordinator in July 2023.

Her passion for freshwater began during a research project focused on the Wairarapa Moana, her hometown's significant water body. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Biodiversity and Environmental Science, and a Master's degree in Environmental Science with a strong focus on freshwater ecology. Her favorite part of the job is using hands-on education to inspire people to protect their local freshwater environments.

Hayley has always loved being in and around the ocean and has been getting more and more obsessed with seaweed over the last few years. She finished her PhD in marine biotechnology in 2024, split between the University of Otago and Plant and Food Research in Nelson. Now she has joined the team at Mountains to Sea Wellington as the Science and Monitoring Coordinator for the Love Rimurimu project. She is loving the team, the mahi and is much preferring the field work to being stuck in a lab.

Caitlin is currently pursuing her Master's in Marine Conservation, driven by a lifelong fascination with the ocean and its inhabitants. Her passion lies in connecting tamariki (children) and hapori (community) to the wai (water). She particularly loves teaching them about Marine Reserves and watching their own passion for the marine world begin to bloom. It's an experience she'll always cherish.

Jude has been Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka coordinator for Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust since 2016, building on Megan Wilson’s work. Her background is in leading outdoor groups and teaching white water rafting and sea kayaking - including in Canada and Switzerland! She is trained as a teacher to educate outside the classroom. Jude is passionate about marine reserves, and focuses on protecting local fish species and habitats. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and exploring local waterways.

Growing up in Hawaii with a fisherman as her father, and the sea on her doorstep, primed Thalassa for a lifetime fascination and curiosity with the sea. She started working on a marine research vessel in her high school years and after earning a Bachelor of Marine Biology degree from Humboldt State University she worked in the marine environment as a scientific observer in Alaska, New Zealand, Mauritius, and Antarctica. The adventure continues as she now gets to share her enthusiasm and love of the ocean and rivers with the next generation through Tasman Bay Guardians!

Mel has 13 years of experience delivering 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 programme for Tasman Bay Guardians.

Monique loves the mountains, rivers, oceans, and wild places. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Botany and a Diploma in Environmental Management. She has spent years pursuing her environmental passions, including long-term water quality monitoring in wetlands environments. She nows works with Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and Tasman Bay Guardians to make real change in our waterways. She believes the health of our waterways is crucial to our wellbeing as a people.

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Shelley is the Director and Principal Scientist at EOS Ecology with 24 years of experience in aquatic ecosystems. She leads the science team, author publications on aquatic systems, and review resource consents. She's developed management plans for catchments and endangered species protection. She also supervises MSc students and reviews peer research. Her work focuses on improving the management and health of waterways through collective action.

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