Technical Advisory Group

Island Conservation

Richard gained his MSc at Lincoln University in 1996. He began working for the Department of Conservation in 1998. Over the next 13 years, he spearheaded some of NZ’s most ambitious island restoration projects, including operations to remove Pacific rats from Hauturu and eight pest species from Rangitoto and Motutapu. Richard led the Hihi Recovery Group between 2000 and 2007 overseeing the species’ successful reintroduction to the mainland after a 120-year absence.

Richard now works for the non-profit organisation, Island Conservation, leading a team of project managers, and island restoration specialists working to prevent extinctions through the removal of invasive vertebrates from islands across the Pacific. Richard remains an honorary member of the Department of Conservation’s Island Eradication Advisory Group.

Predator Ecologist

Elaine originally came to NZ on a climbing holiday from Sydney and that was that! She completed her PhD on mouse ecology in the Marlborough Sounds. After a brief stint with TVNZ's 'Wild South' series, she has worked for the Department of Conservation for about 30 years. Elaine's research has significantly contributed to our understanding of stoat behaviour and control methods. She discovered that stoats cover more ground than previously thought and can die from secondary poisoning after aerial 1080 operations.

Elaine also oversaw the development of PAPP, a humane toxin for controlling stoats and feral cats. Currently, she's working on an aerial PAPP bait for stoats. With a long-standing connection to Waiheke Island, Elaine and her husband are now building a house in Onetangi.

Biological Sciences, University of Auckland

Margaret is a Professor at the University of Auckland's School of Biological Sciences, an ecologist specialising in biodiversity, biosecurity, conservation, invasive species, and urban ecology. She earned her PhD from Monash University after completing a BSc in Zoology at the University of Otago. Margaret's career includes six years at Manaaki Whenua / Landcare Research before joining the University of Auckland in 2007. Her childhood curiosity about nature led her into ecology, and she's passionate about science communication, aiming to inspire others to connect with nature and support biodiversity. Margaret's research focuses on understanding and mitigating human impacts on terrestrial biodiversity, particularly the effects of invasive species and urban development. Her work contributes significantly to New Zealand's ecological knowledge and conservation efforts.

Social Scientist, University of Auckland

Marie is a social scientist holding a research and lecturing position in the School of Environment, at the University of Auckland. She specialises in the social dynamics of biosecurity, particularly forest biosecurity and predator management. With a Masters in Science Communication and a PhD in Environmental Science, Marie has 31 years of tertiary teaching experience focusing on science-society interactions. Her work in kauri dieback research and community engagement since 2008 has led to appointments on numerous national biosecurity committees. Marie co-leads the Mobilising for Action Theme in the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, examining people's connections to the environment and empowering them to support conservation. She also leads a project exploring the role of genetic technologies in environmental conservation. Marie's strong belief in science-community partnerships and her extensive experience in community-based biosecurity projects make her a valuable contributor to New Zealand's conservation efforts.

Media Communications Expert 

Bridgette has been in media communications for decades, and is an expert in media strategy, planning and buying, as well as all aspects of digital marketing . She is the Founder of Lassoo, an independent, media, public relations and digital company. 

Passionate about New Zealand and its environment Bridgette believes charity begins at home and we each should give our time to projects that have an ability to make real impact. Bridgette is a long time Waiheke resident who is actively involved in various projects on the motu, she enjoys lending her skills to Te Korowai o Waiheke and the Auckland Foundation’s Hauraki Gulf Regeneration Fund.

Technical Advisor Invasive Species, Department of Conservation.

Keith is an expert in invasive species, island eradications and island biosecurity. He has co-authored a formidable 44 publications on these topics since 2002. These have spanned eradication projects from the Phoenix Islands, Kiribati to Rangitoto and Motutapu.

Keith is currently the Technical Advisor for invasive species at the Department of Conservation and the Chair of DOC’s Island Eradication Advisory Group (IEAG), which provides expert knowledge to help rid pests on islands in New Zealand and worldwide.

Other experience and skills include forest ecology and pest animal management, systems development, and training to improve animal pest management, project management and safety systems skills.

Passionate conservationist

After finding a passion for wildlife and its environment at just 5 years old Jason's passion burns brighter nearly 50 years later. 

Having recently returned to the Island, Jason has found a place to put his passion into action. He is a lead instigator in a wetland restoration project and is actively involved in the mission to make Waiheke predator-free.

Having moved from the UK, it became very apparent that the predators from his homeland were not suitable inhabitants for a land of flightless birds. As a keen ornithologist, he's helped implement a trapping program for the ‘Bottom End’ of Waiheke - they’re seeing great results. Long may this continue.