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National Leadership Team
Samara Nicholas MNZM
Poutokomanawa | Co-director | Marine Lead | EMR | Wai Connection
Northland based
Kia ora, my name is Samara Nicholas, during my time as head prefect at Kamo High School in 1998, our year 13 geography class was involved in the application for a Marine Reserve in the Whangarei Harbour, the marine biodiversity around Motukaroro inspired me!
After completing a Diploma in Environmental Management I went on to establish the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme in 2001. I was a foundation trustee of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust from 2002 - 2019.
As Poutokomanawa/co-director for the trust I now have more of a focus on management and impletmenting strategy (but also getting in the water as much as I can of course!) I was extremely privileged to be recognised in 2005 in the Sir Peter Blake Leadership awards as one of New Zealand 's Emerging Leaders.
In 2005 I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. I have a PADI Divemaster and NAUI Skin Diving Instructor qualification. I am an experienced and regular public speaker.
My favourite marine creature is the nudibranch.
I am a proud mum to Blaze and wife to Shane, I am a active member of the Whananaki community, I love to snorkel, dive, surf, ride horses or garden in my spare time!
My career highlight was heading to the Kermadec Islands as crew member on board Young Blake Expeditions in 2012 & 2018. During October 2014, I was the MC at the New Zealand Dolphin Underwater Club 60th anniversary and was awarded the New Zealand Underwater Leo Ducker Award for Meritorius recognition and contribution to diving.
In 2018, I won the Seaweek Ocean Champion Award. I became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to marine education and conservation on Queens birthday weekend 2018.
Phone: 0210362019
Northland based
Kia ora, my name is Samara Nicholas, during my time as head prefect at Kamo High School in 1998, our year 13 geography class was involved in the application for a Marine Reserve in the Whangarei Harbour, the marine biodiversity around Motukaroro inspired me!
After completing a Diploma in Environmental Management I went on to establish the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme in 2001. I was a foundation trustee of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust from 2002 - 2019.
As Poutokomanawa/co-director for the trust I now have more of a focus on management and impletmenting strategy (but also getting in the water as much as I can of course!) I was extremely privileged to be recognised in 2005 in the Sir Peter Blake Leadership awards as one of New Zealand 's Emerging Leaders.
In 2005 I completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. I have a PADI Divemaster and NAUI Skin Diving Instructor qualification. I am an experienced and regular public speaker.
My favourite marine creature is the nudibranch.
I am a proud mum to Blaze and wife to Shane, I am a active member of the Whananaki community, I love to snorkel, dive, surf, ride horses or garden in my spare time!
My career highlight was heading to the Kermadec Islands as crew member on board Young Blake Expeditions in 2012 & 2018. During October 2014, I was the MC at the New Zealand Dolphin Underwater Club 60th anniversary and was awarded the New Zealand Underwater Leo Ducker Award for Meritorius recognition and contribution to diving.
In 2018, I won the Seaweek Ocean Champion Award. I became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to marine education and conservation on Queens birthday weekend 2018.
Phone: 0210362019
Kim Jones
Poutokomanawa | Co-director | Freshwater Lead | WBC | Wai Connection
Northland based
Kia ora koutou! I am the Co-director/ Poutokomanawa - Freshwater Lead of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. I've been involved in environmental education since 2003 and my favourite part of the job is being out in the environment - natures classroom! I'm also an experienced coordinator of Whitebait Connection's sister programme, Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR), and founder of the Whangarei Drains To Harbour stormwater awareness campaign and Mangrove Discovery Programme. I am a graduate of Environmental Management, Conservation, Business Administration and Computing and was lucky enough to study in Northland where I lived and worked with my husband Blair and kids Zayne and Oceana, until 2014 when we moved to Warkworth, Auckland by the Mahurangi River for four years. We moved back to Whangarei in 2018 and are now working at a regional level in both Northland and Auckland as well as supporting the national delivery and growth.
Kim is an experienced coordinator and project manager of all the Trust's programmes and has 16 years of experience in this field now working at a regional level in both Northland and Auckland as well as supporting national delivery and growth of the programmes throughout Aotearoa. She works for collaborative integrated catchment management within a holistic 'Mountains to Sea' view and has driven the development of the Trust's National Īnanga Spawning Programme. Kim is the project executive for the Northland Īnanga Spawning Habitat Restoration project and will use her 8 years of experience driving this work in Northland and Auckland to support the operational team to scale up this important mahi and increase the capacity and capability of many stakeholders to engage and lead this work into the future.
Phone: (09) 434 0289 or 027 243 4818
Northland based
Kia ora koutou! I am the Co-director/ Poutokomanawa - Freshwater Lead of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. I've been involved in environmental education since 2003 and my favourite part of the job is being out in the environment - natures classroom! I'm also an experienced coordinator of Whitebait Connection's sister programme, Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR), and founder of the Whangarei Drains To Harbour stormwater awareness campaign and Mangrove Discovery Programme. I am a graduate of Environmental Management, Conservation, Business Administration and Computing and was lucky enough to study in Northland where I lived and worked with my husband Blair and kids Zayne and Oceana, until 2014 when we moved to Warkworth, Auckland by the Mahurangi River for four years. We moved back to Whangarei in 2018 and are now working at a regional level in both Northland and Auckland as well as supporting the national delivery and growth.
Kim is an experienced coordinator and project manager of all the Trust's programmes and has 16 years of experience in this field now working at a regional level in both Northland and Auckland as well as supporting national delivery and growth of the programmes throughout Aotearoa. She works for collaborative integrated catchment management within a holistic 'Mountains to Sea' view and has driven the development of the Trust's National Īnanga Spawning Programme. Kim is the project executive for the Northland Īnanga Spawning Habitat Restoration project and will use her 8 years of experience driving this work in Northland and Auckland to support the operational team to scale up this important mahi and increase the capacity and capability of many stakeholders to engage and lead this work into the future.
Phone: (09) 434 0289 or 027 243 4818
Patricia Clark
National Coordinator | WBC | Wai Connection | Programme Coordinator
Northland based
Kia ora, my name is Patricia and I joined the Whitebait Connection team in 2021. I whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and grew up on a farm near my hometown of Kaikohe. I now live in Waipu. Through my upbringing I have always been interested in all things related to freshwater. I have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Earth Science, and a Masters degree in Environmental Science focused on freshwater ecology. I love being part of the WBC team as it combines my passions for freshwater ecology, education and hands on conservation.
Phone: 027 325 2054
Northland based
Kia ora, my name is Patricia and I joined the Whitebait Connection team in 2021. I whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and grew up on a farm near my hometown of Kaikohe. I now live in Waipu. Through my upbringing I have always been interested in all things related to freshwater. I have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Earth Science, and a Masters degree in Environmental Science focused on freshwater ecology. I love being part of the WBC team as it combines my passions for freshwater ecology, education and hands on conservation.
Phone: 027 325 2054
Lorna Doogan
National Coordinator for EMR | EMR | Wai Connection
Auckland based
Kia ora koutou, I am the National Coordinator for Experiencing Marine Reserves. I started volunteering for EMR in 2013 when I was running the Auckland University Underwater Club. By 2014 I was managing the Auckland region and since 2017 I have helped Samara run the national team.
I have always had a passion for the ocean having spent all my summers as a child in the beautiful Opito Bay, Coromandel. I was a surf lifeguard at United North Piha for 5 years earning my Bronze Medallion. Scuba diving has always been a large part of my life. I completed my Open Water Course when I was 13 and slowly worked my way up to Divemaster over the following years. While I was studying for my BSc in Biological Sciences and Marine Science at the University of Auckland, I was lucky enough to become involved in the Auckland University Underwater Club. I became the president of the club in 2013 and during this time I received my Master of a Small Commercial Dive Vessel as well as developing essential organisational skills for my role as an EMR Coordinator. My role for EMR has grown and changed in the past 11 years and I now do the underwater and landbased photography/ videography for the trust as well as funding applications and IT management.
My favourite animal would have to be the sunfish because of their gloriously uncoordinated swimming.
Phone: 02102732339
Auckland based
Kia ora koutou, I am the National Coordinator for Experiencing Marine Reserves. I started volunteering for EMR in 2013 when I was running the Auckland University Underwater Club. By 2014 I was managing the Auckland region and since 2017 I have helped Samara run the national team.
I have always had a passion for the ocean having spent all my summers as a child in the beautiful Opito Bay, Coromandel. I was a surf lifeguard at United North Piha for 5 years earning my Bronze Medallion. Scuba diving has always been a large part of my life. I completed my Open Water Course when I was 13 and slowly worked my way up to Divemaster over the following years. While I was studying for my BSc in Biological Sciences and Marine Science at the University of Auckland, I was lucky enough to become involved in the Auckland University Underwater Club. I became the president of the club in 2013 and during this time I received my Master of a Small Commercial Dive Vessel as well as developing essential organisational skills for my role as an EMR Coordinator. My role for EMR has grown and changed in the past 11 years and I now do the underwater and landbased photography/ videography for the trust as well as funding applications and IT management.
My favourite animal would have to be the sunfish because of their gloriously uncoordinated swimming.
Phone: 02102732339
Holly Cole
Marketing and Communications Manager | Wai Connection
Nelson based
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.
Nelson based
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.
Nicholas Naysmith
Northland Īnanga Spawning Habitat Restoration Project (NISHRP)
Northland based
Kia ora, my name is Nic. I joined the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and Whitebait Connection as a coordinator for Whangārei in May 2021. I gained a Master of Science degree in Marine Biology from Otago University in the late 90s and later trained as an Osteopath. My passions have always been in understanding the natural sciences, and exploring my local forests, rivers, and coastlines.
After almost a decade in corporate sales I decided that it was time to pursue my passions and to give back to the places I love. So, I was super excited to join the Whitebait Connection team so that I could get hands on, get back in the field, and be a part of educating and inspiring the next generation of young scientists and conservationists.
In leading the NĪSHRP team, I am looking forward to driving this work in Te Tai Tokerau to support the operational team to scale up this important mahi and increase the capacity and capability of many stakeholders, including our many hapū partners, to engage and lead this work on their own awa into the future.
Northland based
Kia ora, my name is Nic. I joined the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and Whitebait Connection as a coordinator for Whangārei in May 2021. I gained a Master of Science degree in Marine Biology from Otago University in the late 90s and later trained as an Osteopath. My passions have always been in understanding the natural sciences, and exploring my local forests, rivers, and coastlines.
After almost a decade in corporate sales I decided that it was time to pursue my passions and to give back to the places I love. So, I was super excited to join the Whitebait Connection team so that I could get hands on, get back in the field, and be a part of educating and inspiring the next generation of young scientists and conservationists.
In leading the NĪSHRP team, I am looking forward to driving this work in Te Tai Tokerau to support the operational team to scale up this important mahi and increase the capacity and capability of many stakeholders, including our many hapū partners, to engage and lead this work on their own awa into the future.
Konrad Kurta
Marketing and Fundraising Manager
Kia ora, my name's Konrad. I have a background in Media and Education, particularly working on fundraising and marketing campaigns in the not-for-profit sector. I've come to MTSCT because I believe what a lot of Kiwis believe - we have to protect our natural environment for future generations. The wider Mountains to Sea whānau does vital work educating and enabling communities to look after their waterways. I hope I can help spread the word to more New Zealanders, and enhance the impact we're already making.
Phone: 0284359547
Kia ora, my name's Konrad. I have a background in Media and Education, particularly working on fundraising and marketing campaigns in the not-for-profit sector. I've come to MTSCT because I believe what a lot of Kiwis believe - we have to protect our natural environment for future generations. The wider Mountains to Sea whānau does vital work educating and enabling communities to look after their waterways. I hope I can help spread the word to more New Zealanders, and enhance the impact we're already making.
Phone: 0284359547
Holly Inger
Finance and Administration Manager | Administration
Northland based
Hollie joined the team in February 2022 the role of Finance and Administration Manager. She is passionate about using her skills in business, administration and operational process improvement to contribute to the backend functions of the Trust, supporting the team to do what they do best.
Diploma qualified in Business, Leadership and Management, Hollie's background is working for both Not-for-Profit Charities and corporate business across New Zealand and Australia in accounts, business administration, operations management and system and improvement projects.
Having returned to Aotearoa after living in Australia for the past 10 years, she is excited to be joining forces with the Trust and playing a role in the education, restoration and improvement of New Zealand’s freshwater and marine biodiversity.
Northland based
Hollie joined the team in February 2022 the role of Finance and Administration Manager. She is passionate about using her skills in business, administration and operational process improvement to contribute to the backend functions of the Trust, supporting the team to do what they do best.
Diploma qualified in Business, Leadership and Management, Hollie's background is working for both Not-for-Profit Charities and corporate business across New Zealand and Australia in accounts, business administration, operations management and system and improvement projects.
Having returned to Aotearoa after living in Australia for the past 10 years, she is excited to be joining forces with the Trust and playing a role in the education, restoration and improvement of New Zealand’s freshwater and marine biodiversity.
Northland
Andrea Booth | Regional Manager
WBC | Wai Connection
Kia ora, I'm Andrea and I joined the Mountains to Sea team in July 2023, based in Whangarei. I have an MSc in Ecology, and I've been working in conservation for all of my career. I started off as a technical advisor in DOC supporting threatened species projects, in particular terrestrial invertebrates, birds and fish. I then moved into management in DOC, first as the Whangarei Operations Manager, then as the Improvement Manager, where I focused on systems improvement. More recently, I have been working for Reconnecting Northland, an NGO based in Whangarei, where I supported communities to plan and deliver their taiao goals. I love working with communities and helping them to achieve their aspirations, and I am very excited to be in this role and to be working with this awesome team.
Phone: 027 704 5728
Kia ora, I'm Andrea and I joined the Mountains to Sea team in July 2023, based in Whangarei. I have an MSc in Ecology, and I've been working in conservation for all of my career. I started off as a technical advisor in DOC supporting threatened species projects, in particular terrestrial invertebrates, birds and fish. I then moved into management in DOC, first as the Whangarei Operations Manager, then as the Improvement Manager, where I focused on systems improvement. More recently, I have been working for Reconnecting Northland, an NGO based in Whangarei, where I supported communities to plan and deliver their taiao goals. I love working with communities and helping them to achieve their aspirations, and I am very excited to be in this role and to be working with this awesome team.
Phone: 027 704 5728
Ray Downing | Regional Coordinator | Catchment Connector
EMR | WBC | Wai Connection
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.
Phone: 027 321 1295
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.
Phone: 027 321 1295
Tracey Phillip | NĪSHRP | Catchment Coordinator & Connector
EMR | WBC | NĪSHRP | Wai Connection
Kia ora, my name is Tracey Phillip.I joined Whitebait Connection in April 2022 as a cadet helping part-time. I love the mahi so much that I am becoming a fully endorsed coordinator so I can get even more involved in helping restore our beautiful slice of heaven to its full glory. My life has been focused around the outdoors from farming life to working in adventure tourism with kids. I believe my life experience has given me some great tools to work in this industry from coordinating groups to hands on tasks making for a awesome role diversity cant wait to get rolling. I live in Whangarei but am northland born and bred and love raising my family here. I hope for a place they can be proud to call home.
Phone: 027 823 0299
Kia ora, my name is Tracey Phillip.I joined Whitebait Connection in April 2022 as a cadet helping part-time. I love the mahi so much that I am becoming a fully endorsed coordinator so I can get even more involved in helping restore our beautiful slice of heaven to its full glory. My life has been focused around the outdoors from farming life to working in adventure tourism with kids. I believe my life experience has given me some great tools to work in this industry from coordinating groups to hands on tasks making for a awesome role diversity cant wait to get rolling. I live in Whangarei but am northland born and bred and love raising my family here. I hope for a place they can be proud to call home.
Phone: 027 823 0299
Rosie Palmer | Catchment Connector
WBC | Wai Connection
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.
Phone: 022 012 3027
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.
Phone: 022 012 3027
Pippa Benton | Marine Advocacy | Coordinator
EMR
Kia Ora, my name is Pippa and 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.
Phone: 0274444527
Kia Ora, my name is Pippa and 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.
Phone: 0274444527
Shawn Shampain
He Kākano Native Plant Nursery Manager
Coming soon
Coming soon
Roxy Pene | Assistant Coordinator
EMR
Kia ora my name is Roxanne Pene, 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.
Phone: 0272552449
Kia ora my name is Roxanne Pene, 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.
Phone: 0272552449