Conservation Week Panel Discussion

Join us for an evening of conversation and community connection during Conservation Week 2025.

This panel discussion celebrates the people, projects and passion behind local conservation efforts. Hear from a diverse panel of experts, each sharing their perspective and experiences in an informal conversation.

The evening will begin with a welcome by Joost de Bruin, Director of the Hundertwasser Art Centre, who will introduce the event with reflections on Hundertwasser’s deep commitment to living in harmony with nature.

Enjoy light refreshments and informal networking before the panel begins.

Together, we will explore how conservation works across communities, from protecting native species like kiwi and bats, to the impact of pests such as rats, stoats and possums and how we all play a part in restoring balance to nature.

Panel Participants:

Sam Johnson

Northland Regional Council, Predator Free 2050 Manager

I live on the edge of Pukenui Forest and have spent many hours enjoying the bush and birdlife that associate with this toanga. I recognise the value of having ngahere right on the doorstep of our city and harbour, and the unique opportunity this gives locals and visitors to enjoy this unique environment.

Having an opportunity to protect and enhance this is what drew me to my role with the NRC Predator Free programme, four years ago.

Ngaire Sullivan

Kiwi Coast Trust CEO

Kiwi Coast's ever-growing network extends across 285,000 ha of Northland, linking over 270 community and hapū-led conservation projects. Ngaire provides support at both the grassroots and strategic levels—helping to grow skills and capacity on the ground, while also coordinating the wider initiative to advance regional biodiversity goals. The ultimate aim - ensuring taonga such as kiwi can flourish for generations to come.

Dr Tim Martin

Chairperson, Pukenui Western Hills Forest Charitable Trust

Tim is a PhD trained ecologist with a passion for the conservation and management of all our living taonga - especially the overlooked or misunderstood ones like pekapeka (bats), fungi, and insects.

Winiwini Kingii – Kairaranga mo te Kaitiakitanga kaupapa

Predator Free 2050 Northland Regional Council » Te Kaunihera a rohe o Te Taitokerau

I am deeply passionate about looking after Aotearoa’s unique native species including te reo māori. I enjoy hiking, spear fishing, taking photos, exploring māori arts and crafts, and spending quality time with my moko.

Jaz O’Donnell

Project and Partnership Manager – Circular Economy, Sustainable Business Network

I'm a Project and Partnership Manager with a passion for pest control. I live on a big block of native bush in Waiotira and work to shift businesses from extractive to regenerative practices. Every business, no matter the industry, is reliant on nature. The purpose of the Sustainable Business Network’s Regenerate Nature Programme is to support organisations to integrate nature into their business and increase vital funding for nature regeneration on the ground.

Andrea Booth

Northland Regional Manager for Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

Andrea joined the Mountains to Sea team in 2023 and holds a Master of Science in Ecology. She has vast experience in conservation, including roles at the Department of Conservation, including 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 Mountains to Sea freshwater programmes and is passionate about helping communities to achieve their aspirations for their freshwater restoration projects.

Limited spots available – book via our website.