Connecting NZ Communities with their Land
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.
BEN TAYLOR
Trustee
Ben Taylor particularly enjoys helping the trust with its long term strategy and governance. He has a passion for the outdoors and our wonderful environment. He works as an investment adviser for Forsyth Barr.
MURRAY WALKER
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Trustee
Murray has a business background, particularly in Tourism and a long association with the Wanaka area. He believes we need to vigorously protect the stunning natural aspects of what attracted us to come here. Getting closer to ‘Mother Nature’ provides true happiness, particularly getting our hands in the soil and native bush regeneration.
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!
ARNE CLELAND
KRIS VOLLEBREGT
Trustee
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Botanical Advisor
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Nursery Manager
LORAN VERPILLOT
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Trust Manager
JO GUEST
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Education Manager
NIK WOOLFORD
Relief Nursery Manager