Our Team
The Trust is led and guided by a volunteer Chairperson and Board of Trustees. A part-time Nursery Manager, Education Manager and Trust Manager are also appointed in addition to an external advisor who brings botanical expertise to the Trust. The wealth of knowledge shared by Te Kākano's dedicated team ensures that the Trust is managed in the best of interests of supporting our mission of restoring local native habitats and connecting communities with their land.
CARRIE WILLIAMS

Chair
Carrie brings her skills as a solicitor with experience in both the private and public sectors to the trust, when she is not wearing a bike or ski helmet. Conservation and environmental stewardship have been enduring values for her.
ANDREW GAWITH

Treasurer
Andrew has been an irregular planting volunteer for the past decade. He has taken on the treasurer role at the Trust relying on past experience starting and managing economic consulting and financial services businesses. He also has interests in improving river health and water quality generally.
SHENNEE GRINTER

Trustee
As an ardent supporter of grassroots conservation, Shennee was first involved with Te Kākano in 2010. Specializing in business operations and marketing, she is dedicated to optimizing systems and efficiencies and believes Te Kākano’s work will leave a lasting impression for future generations.
BECKY McCORMACK
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Trustee
Becky and her family moved to Wānaka in 2021, but has spent many winter and summer holidays here since she was a teenager. With a background in secondary school teaching and environmental education, she’s passionate about supporting young people to engage with the community and our local environment. She also loves trees!

Trustee
Chris has a creative and business background, having started his career in the film industry, before founding Coffee Supreme 30 years ago. He hopes to apply his commercial experience to assist the Trust with strategy and governance, and has long been quietly committed to environmental causes.
MARK ORBELL

Trustee
Mark is a new Trustee. His story will be added soon!
ARNE CLELAND

Botanical Advisor
LORAN VERPILLOT
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Trust Manager
KRIS VOLLEBREGT
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Nursery Manager
JO GUEST
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Education Manager
NIK WOOLFORD

Relief Nursery Manager