Leading the team since January 2016, Janet has worked at Council, in the community and as a consultant. Although residing in her beloved western beaches, she has ‘come home’ to Kaipātiki (Janet grew up in Beach Haven) where she is excited to be supporting the team to address the biodiversity and climate crisis.

Contact Janet at manager@kaipatiki.org.nz

Joining in November 2015, Sandra’s role has grown to include HR, Health & Safety, financial reporting, while continuing to oversee some of the Compost Collective digital delivery. With a growing organisation and changing technology, Sandra continues to support the team to be even more effective while holding wellbeing and belonging at its core.

Contact Sandra at operations@kaipatiki.org.nz

Derek joined the team in May 2016 and admits he is a lucky chap to have a full-time job that represents his passion and uses all his training. Derek’s main responsibilities are to manage plant production in the nursery and work with our volunteers. His advice and support to community groups and individuals is highly sought after.

Contact Derek at restoration@kaipatiki.org.nz

Joining the team in June 2019 Joanne is keen to identify, analyse and action opportunities for organisational growth, and communicate the positive impacts Kaipātiki Project’s activities deliver across the community. She enjoys applying creative thinking to the workplace and building strong partnerships between our organisation and our funders.

Contact Joanne at funding@kaipatiki.org.nz

Blanka joined the team in July 2019, and brings 20 years of marketing experience with several of New Zealand’s leading companies. As an enthusiastic brand champion, Blanka is responsible for brand and marketing strategy, and will continue to celebrate Kaipātiki Project through authentic stories of our achievements, vision and values.

Contact Blanka at marketing@kaipatiki.org.nz

After working in restoration in the Waitakere Ranges and the Whau River Catchment for over a decade, Neil joined our team in November 2018. As project manager for Weed Free Trust, Neil developed many useful tools and educational materials to assist private property owners as well as volunteers working on public land.

Contact Neil at activator@kaipatiki.org.nz

Joining in November 2018, Sam has served community through his roles in education trusts Ako Mātātupu and Manaiakalani, as well as leading pilot programmes for positive parenting and youth development. With proven ability to connect with the students, Sam has established strong relationships with the local schools and community networks.

Contact Sam at community@kaipatiki.org.nz

Takutai Moana Watts is qualified in mahi raranga (traditional weaving) and is a kaitiaki (guardian) of the land. Joining in 2019, Takutai has experience in teaching traditional weaving and sustainable harvesting. Takutai ensures tikanga is followed in our harakeke programmes.

Contact Takutai at kaiawhina@kaipatiki.org.nz

Anna worked as a volunteer in the Kaipātiki Project nursery for 18 months before joining the team in August 2017. Originally from Sweden, she has lived in Glenfield for the past 13 years with her Kiwi husband and two daughters. Anna manages a comprehensive Compost Collective digital platform to ensure our courses are well promoted and attended.

Contact Anna at office@kaipatiki.org.nz

Previously one of our longest-serving and most treasured volunteers, Crystal is now on the payroll part-time, doing what she does best; tending to plant health in our Birkdale nursery, and assisting volunteers with disabilities to be part of the team.

Contact Crystal at support@kaipatiki.org.nz

First as a volunteer, Dalida joined in March 2019. As a manuhiri in Aotearoa, Dalida came from Kazakhstan to expand her professional skills, learn to resolve environmental issues and learn about Māori culture and their connection with nature. Falling in love with Kaipātiki Project, Dalida is pleased to continue contributing her skills.

Contact Dalida at media@kaipatiki.org.nz

Buffie has worked in the community for over a decade in a multitude of roles and joined the Kaipātiki Project team to help with both, the Enviro North Hui and the Zero Waste Hui. The Enviro Hui successfully brought both environmental and low carbon communities together for the day.

Contact Buffie at sustainability@kaipatiki.org.nz

Judith has joined the team to coordinate and develop our teaching garden, as well as to establish a community composting hub at Hobsonville site. Judith also teaches a zero waste program in pre-schools and is passionate about getting people growing food in their backyards and communities, growing her own food forest in her backyard. 

Contact Judith at gardenhub@kaipatiki.org.nz.

Lucy is a passionate advocate for reducing waste and wider sustainability issues promoting ways to reduce our impact on the planet through personal action. Originating from Kenya, Lucy is involved in local activities and a keen advocate for the community. In her spare time she loves to spend time in her garden with her compost and hens.

Contact Lucy at econavigator@kaipatiki.org.nz.

Dorian had a career in research, management, strategy, business development and mentoring entrepreneurs before joining the team in 2020. With a passion for predator control and restoration he is also facilitator of Habitat Hobsonville, a group of volunteers. Dorian enjoys connecting people and groups which is a key to his role.

Contact Dorian at navigator@kaipatiki.org.nz.