Meet our people
Our team bring a broad range of talents, skills, experiences, and deep commitment to our cause. They come from diverse backgrounds, gender identities, ethnicities, ages, and cultures – all united by a shared passion for creating a sustainable Waiheke.
Office crew
Michael Maahs
CEO
Based on Waiheke Island, Mike leads a dedicated team at Waiheke Resources Trust delivering practical climate action, nature led regeneration, and initiatives that strengthen community resilience, with the aim of showing how local leadership can set a standard nationally.
He is also Co-Chair of Environment Hubs Aotearoa, supporting a national network of community led sustainability hubs and connecting local action with national impact.
He is passionate about empowering communities to create their own solutions, drawing on local knowledge and energy to drive meaningful environmental and social outcomes that last.
Kristin Busher
Partnerships Manager
Originally from Waiatarua in the Waitakere Ranges Kristin moved to Waiheke in 2001. Working for various not for profit organisations on Waiheke Island since 2010 she has a deep knowledge of and connection to the community.
Previously leading WRT’s Project Little Oneroa and the Compost Collective, Kristin is now Project Lead for Love Our Wetlands and is the WRT Partnerships Manager.
As a mother of 2 young children who is passionate about the environment and her community, being active and supporting grass roots community initiatives is forefront to the work she does.
Livné Ore
Grants & Operations Manager
An alumna of Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka, Livné moved to Waiheke in 2018 after travelling post-degree.
Her previous volunteering experience, interest in sustainability and eagerness to be involved with her new community led to a three month internship at WRT, after which she stayed involved through grant writing, baking at Kai Conscious Café and working alongside Kristin for the then-called Project Little Oneroa.
In February 2020, she started working full time as WRT’s new Grants and Operations Coordinator.
Aya Oba
Communications Manager
Aya is originally from Takasaki, Japan – the town surrounded by four beautiful maunga.
She came to Aotearoa in 2009 after completing BA Photography in Melbourne, Australia.
She has previously worked at GLAM (Gallery, Library, Archives and Museum) sectors coordinating and leading projects as a digitisation specialist.
Since she moved to Waiheke in 2015. Her passions for sustainable living and commitment to the community led her to join the team.
She lives with rescue animals and is a keen cyclist, gardener, home cook and activity advocating veganism for climate change.
Zoe O’Farrell
Zero Waste Manager
Zoe grew up by the beach in Otepoti / Dunedin. She moved to Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington to complete a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Environmental Studies and Development Studies at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University. In 2025, she traveled through Southeast Asia, Europe, and the UK!
In 2025, Zoe moved to Waiheke Island to embrace island living and build community connections. She is committed to reducing her own and the community’s environmental impact through creative and collective efforts.
In her free time, Zoe stays active with yoga, swimming, dancing, or biking, depending on the day! She values spending time with friends and family, enjoying great food, amazing music, and even better company.
Laura Lynch
Administration & Events Coordinator
Originally from the Cotswolds, Laura has wandered from Europe’s mountains to the Pacific Ocean before landing on Waiheke, which she has called home since 2017. She brings a rich mix of experiences to her work at WRT, grounded in creativity and community. Laura holds a BA in History from the University of Leeds (2005) and a recently completed a Graduate Diploma in UX Design, skills she applies to projects like Welcome to Waiheke and EcoFest, combining thoughtful design with storytelling.
At home, she’s a mum to a primary-schooler, fueling her passion to find creative “side-door” approaches to sustainability to expand WRT’s reach building a more resilient community and environment for Waiheke.
Marta Orihuela
Waiheke Waterways Lead
Marta, a passionate Spanish biologist hailing from the enchanting city of Seville, where the aroma of orange blossom fills the streets, has dedicated herself in the past to various NGO projects aimed at conserving diverse species ranging from majestic whales to diminutive bees, and even the elusive brown bear! After 17 years of traversing in and out of Waiheke, she decided to call it home a few years ago. Marta takes immense pride in her role as Assistant Restoration Manager for the Love Our Wetlands and also leading Waiheke Waterways Project—a profoundly beautiful challenge that she embraces eagerly, knowing that each day brings new opportunities for improvement.
James Siddle
GIS Specialist
Having grown up in the Manawatu, studying at Victoria University in Wellington, and then spending 10 years in London; James returned to New Zealand in 2014 and by the end of 2015 was living on Waiheke. With a professional background in GIS and spatial analysis across public and private entities in local government, natural resources and the emergency services, James decided to follow a dream and set up 10 Knots Smokehouse – a seafood smokehouse on Waiheke Island in 2019. As part of their food waste reduction strategy 10 Knots donates regularly to the Kai Conscious cafe food recovery service.
In 2022, while still owning the business, James decided to get back into GIS, ideally with a local influence, and is enjoying applying his skills to the Waiheke Resources Trust’s projects.
As a keen kayak fisherman and father of two young children, James is keen to help WRT meet its goals and positively impact the local environment.
Haley Wilson
Accountant
Haley is based in the Mangawhai, Northland, where she now lives with her family after moving from Waiheke Island.
Prior to starting up her own business, My Two Cents, in 2014, Haley worked for Kiwibank for 8 years, and then in various accounts roles working with a multitude of software’s and systems. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Accountancy at Massey University.
Haley is also an award winning bookkeeper – taking out ICNZB’s Bookkeeper in a Small Practice award in 2019.
Compost Team
Mike Fogarty
Compost Co. Lead
Mike moved to Waiheke Island permanently with his partner Karen in May 2020 after 4 years of regular visits to the island. With a long-term business background with battery electric forklift company Crown Lift Trucks, and experience as the past owner of a small local business in Howick, he has a good understanding of the challenges in transitioning to sustainability.
Mike values the opportunity to work with the many community groups, local businesses and people that support The Compost Co.in reducing waste going into landfill.
Narelle Wilbraham
Composter
Narelle moved to Waiheke 6 years ago with her husband Jamie and two lovable canines Indy and Gust. After setting up roots, Narelle attended her first composting workshop at WRT in the hopes to create some nourishing compost at home. She then developed a love for creating something valuable from waste that would normally end up in landfill. The obsession grew until she landed her dream job with The Compost Co. where her passion has only grew.
Narelle love’s getting her whole family involved including their 5 year old son River, and hopes to continue helping the rest of the team expand The Compost Co.
Kai Conscious Team
Kathy Voyles
Kai Conscious Cafe Coordinator
Kathy Voyles grew up in the grasslands of the Waikato, before accidently living in Europe for 30 years, working in media departments for IGOs, & NGOs and becoming extremely passionate about food, human rights and the environment. After doing as many cooking workshops as she could fit in, amid running a small environment based grassroots NGO, and parenthood she continues to develop frugal food recipes, give cooking demos and write as much poetry as she can. Working at Kai Conscious Waiheke has allowed Kathy to learn even more about food while sharing the odd filo pie recipe as well.
Hadas Ore
Kai Rescuer
In 2021, Hadas celebrated 4 years of living on Waiheke Island with her partner and two daughters. She began her food journey on the island by conducting workshops on Middle Eastern home cooking. She has been a long-time volunteer at the Kai Conscious Cafe, and also does her bit happily in hosting the monthly meetings of the Crop Swap.
Hadas sees this role as important to making the island a hub for conservation, regeneration and sustainability. Becoming a food rescuer is just one way in which she is choosing to realise her lifelong commitment to food and its importance in our human lives and social relationship on this planet.
Hadas has a PhD in food anthropology, and as a migrant to New Zealand she knows from first-hand experience the ways humans can employ food to make themselves and others feel at home.
She looks forward to establishing great working relationships with as many food business on the island as possible!
Teresa Quin
Kai Rescuer
Kia koutou, kei roto Waiheke e noho ana, ko Teresa Quin ahau.
I’m a long-term Waihekean, a link in several generations who live and grow here. We’re all committed to a well Waiheke, supporting our environment and communities to the best of our abilities. As such, being a part of the magnificent WRT feels like coming home.
I have a strong drive to be involved in the sustainability of our assets (tangata and whenua), and food recovery, redistribution and enjoyment answers this. We are simultaneously what we eat and what we throw away, so let’s do the best we can with both.
Jade Forbes
Kai Rescuer
Kia ora,
Ko Jade ahou, I’m super proud to be part of this community and work with great people that genuinely care about keeping kai out of landfill and on peoples tables!
Growing up on the motu, I’m passionate about the well-being of its people and preserving its beauty, my background is mostly charity mahi and rehoming refugees, my whanau live here and my children are 4th generation Islanders. I’m a keen mental health advocate and enjoy gardening, sailing and cooking.
Let’s make Waiheke the best it can be!
Wetland Team
Kym Rawson
Restoration Manager
Kym has taken on the paid roll of Restoration Team Leader for the Waiheke Resources Trust in late 2016. Kym is an experienced and passionate local bringing a superior knowledge base to action for the restoration of key Waiheke wetlands. He has worked for 13 years under tutelage of the advisory team both professionally and voluntarily for a multitude of various projects on the island. Kym is a huge asset secured for the benefit of the wetlands and their legacy.
The ERM role is defined to provide native plant and weed knowledge, wetland and forest ecological restoration knowledge, leadership directing the team, extract and feed into database, site assessments, tool and scrub cutter experience, high work ethic, and to be passionate.
Marta Orihuela
Assistant restoration Manager
Marta, a passionate Spanish biologist hailing from the enchanting city of Seville, where the aroma of orange blossom fills the streets, has dedicated herself in the past to various NGO projects aimed at conserving diverse species ranging from majestic whales to diminutive bees, and even the elusive brown bear! After 17 years of traversing in and out of Waiheke, she decided to call it home a few years ago. Marta takes immense pride in her role as Assistant Restoration Manager for the Love Our Wetlands and also leading Waiheke Waterways Project—a profoundly beautiful challenge that she embraces eagerly, knowing that each day brings new opportunities for improvement.
Lincoln Jackson
Restoration Team Member
I’ve been in and out of the restoration team since the beginning, but a solid member since 2020. My main focus has been the Matiatia wetland and headlands: weeding, planting, rubbish removal and coordinating volunteers. I also work for Forest & Bird, which used to manage these same areas before a lot was being done, so now we’re streamlining the restoration of the Council reserves with the adjacent Forest & Bird reserve. This physical relationship helps increase the scope of our work through cross-seeding, pollination and closing the canopy on the boundary, which keeps the weeds out and increases our environmental outcomes. Despite the toughness of the work sometimes, I find it all very rewarding and inspiring.
Julian Watts
Restoration Team Member
After spending my entire career in office environments, working in conservation has given me an incredible opportunity to become part of the Waiheke community. I joined the Wetland team in 2017 and have loved working alongside people who share a passion for the environment, and learn something new every week.
Nothing compares to the feeling of peace I get when my hands are in the soil and I’m surrounded by birdsong.
Yuka Kitano
Restoration Team Member
I have always loved and concerned about the wildlife and environment since my childhood. Working with knowledgeable, hardworking, like-minded people in wetland restoration is a dream come true!
Simon Tunnell
Restoration Team Member
Hi I am a keen enthusiastic eco
friendly character with 7+ years
experience in Native forest/wetland
restoration working in the field from
Scotland, Australia and various parts
New Zealand. Extending my passion in
permaculture and zero waste living. Thinking about my impact on a daily basis making my footprint as light as possible. We as humans all play a on role on earth to make life more joyful
for all. We have the possibility to fix the mistakes of the past to move forward
together, allowing future generations to
feel at ease on this wonderful planet we call home.
Matthew Wilson
Restoration Team Member
Narelle Wilbraham
Restoration Team Member
Emiliano Farias
Restoration Team Member
Hello Waiheke! I am Emiliano, originally from Argentina, moved to NZ in 2007 and I have moved to Waiheke recently. After a life of working in the kitchens, I learned that I needed a balance in my life with outdoor work. Joining the wetland restoration team has been a beautiful, welcoming gift from the island. I am super excited to work with such an amazing group of people who are so passionate about this island.
Karla Burgin
Restoration Team Member
Bike Hub Team
Mark Boswell
Bike Hub Team leader
Mark has been working in bike shops for over 20 years.
Starting out at the legendary Adventure Cycles when it was on Fort St downtown. He owned and ran a bicycle workshop in London for 9 years prior to moving to Waiheke. Now ready to share his wealth of bike nerdiness with you.
Francisco Blaha
Bike Hub Operator
Francisco has been on bicycles since childhood, deep in the last century. He believes they are a healthy, sustainable, fun and cheap mode of transport. By fixing, recycling, and extending bikes’ useful life, we are contributing to effective climate action (besides having fun with tools). He has a NZ National Certificate in Bicycle Servicing and listens to a lot of Dub.
John Sole
Bike Hub Operator
John is a semi retired international NZ freelance datacenter auditor & instructor who moved from Kuala Lumpur to Waiheke. Sustainable datacenters and cycling are his top priorities. He is learning playing chess and loves bike hiking. He has recently completed the Camino Frances & Camino Portuguese. He also has won WCNI and Taranaki junior championships and many age group races (Tour of Northland, Rotorua to Taupo and reverse ). He is self taught bike mechanic and restoring bikes who loves the Waiheke lifestyle.
Mike Grunfeld
Bike Hub Operator
Bikes are in Mike’s blood. Originally from Britain, he worked in the Netherlands for 30 years at the European Patent Office where he specialized in granting patents for motorcycle and bicycle related inventions.
Felix Blaha Brethouwer
Bike Hub Operator
Felix Blaha Brethouwer is a Dutch-Argentinian Waiheke local whose early experiences cycling involved sweating up hill road on the way to school. Somehow this didn’t spoil it for him and he has become an enthusiastic cyclist and mechanic eager to share what he knows. He also studied English Literature, so gives book recommendations too.
Brad Wallace
Bike Hub Operator
Brad has been involved with Bike Hub since 2021 as a bike mechanic. He is interested in all types of biking, from road to downhill and everything in between. He’s been tinkering with his bikes for over 30 years and loves to pass on tips and tricks relating to bicycle maintenance.
Interns
Lauren Britton
Kia ora, I’m Lauren, an undergraduate student at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, in my final year of study, completing a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in marketing communication and media studies.
I have a strong interest in building audience-focused communication that drives engagement through digital and written media content, as well as developing insight-driven, strategic marketing and communication campaigns. I hope to one day apply my degree in a way that supports marine conservation and creates positive change in Aotearoa.
Outside of my studies, you’ll find me in the great outdoors, whether that’s at the beach swimming and snorkelling or hiking in the mountains.
Shelby Defeo
Kia ora!
I’m Shelby, a recent PhD graduate from the United States. My doctorate is in Environmental Systems with an emphasis in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering.
I am excited to apply my technical background to the projects at WRT while building my community ties and learning more about making an environmental impact through a not-for-profit organization.
Volunteering is a big part of my identity and story. From maintaining backcountry trails to collaborating on projects that expand safe water access in rural communities, I love to be a part of something bigger! Outside of these interests, I enjoy the beach, reading, and crocheting.
Stella Mares
Kia Ora, I’m Stella!
I’m a Waiheke local, born and raised on our beautiful motu. I have always been interested in communications and learning about the social world, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Media Studies at Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington).
Growing up on Waiheke and having the opportunity to travel after university has made me deeply passionate about the natural world and all the creatures within it (including humans, of course). I am excited to develop my skills to create positive changes for the community and environment of my island home.
On days off, you can find me spending all day at Onetangi Beach, reading in the sun or going for bush walks!
Venkat Vamshi
I’m Venkat.
I’m an international student from India currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Analysis at Victoria University of Wellington. I have a background in data management and previously worked as a Data Analyst, where I developed skills in analysing data and generating insights to support decision-making.
Through my internship with Waiheke Resources Trust, I’m excited to apply my analytical and problem-solving skills to support environmental and community-focused initiatives. I’m particularly interested in learning how data and technology can be used to create sustainable impact and improve organisational processes.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy travelling, and practising weight-liftin exercises, which help me stay balanced and curious about new experiences.
Elin Qian
Kia ora!
I’m Elin, an undergraduate student at the University of Auckland, majoring in Population Health, Environmental Science, and Geography. After completing my degree, I hope to pursue a career in environmental health research.
As an EcoFest Intern, I will be working with the team to collect and analyse feedback from event hosts, and contribute to the writing of the EcoFest Local Board Report. I’m very excited to apply my research skills and help visualise the outcomes of this remarkable festival.
Outside of my work and studies, I enjoy exploring new places and volunteering at community events.
Board
Barry Coates
Chairperson
I am proud to be a board member of WRT – it is a great organisation, doing fantastic work. I bring a long history of passionate advocacy for sustainability since 1992 when I was a delegate at the Earth Summit. I have been a leader in campaigns for climate action, fair trade, corporate accountability, labour rights and ethical investment in Aotearoa and internationally.My career has included leading Oxfam Aotearoa for 10 years, Green Party list MP 2016-17 and now Founder and co-CEO of Mindful Money, a charity aiming to re-orient investment towards benefiting people and the planet. I also bring governance experience in many organisations, including chair of 350 Aotearoa, deputy chair of Fair Trade Australia and NZ, and currently board member for Sustainable Business Network. I live on Waiheke and I look forward to making a contribution to the regeneration of nature, climate action and resilience, respect for te Tiriti and social equity.
Nicky Elmore
Board Member
Nicky was lucky enough to have grown up in rural Aotearoa, living pretty sustainable life style. With parents as teachers, she holidayed all over this beautiful country enjoying the bush, lakes and oceans. This is what she wanted for her own children which began her journey in sharing sustainability and learning in the environment. Firstly at Meadowbank School, then with Auckland Council in the Sustainable schools team as an Enviroschools facilitator. She is passionate about empowering tamariki and rangatahi to become regenerative leaders, making a difference through their actions.
Currently living in Auckland, her family are building on Waiheke and excited to be moving to the island permanently soon, seeing Waiheke as community of people and opportunities closely aligned with their values. Nicky’s work with schools has an integral connection to Waiheke Resources Trust as an active connector in the community.
Francisco Blaha
Board Member
Francisco started his career as a fisherman and gained a Master’s degree in Fisheries Science(1991) and a further one in Food Science in 1999. He is also a Rhodes Ocean Scholar in law and policy of the Sea. He is a senior advisor to organisations such as the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Forum Agency, the Pacific Community, The International Labour Organization, the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well Ministry of Primary Production, among others. Keen on new technologies, he advises Maritime Domain Awareness groups such as Ocean Minda, Starboard.nz and GFW.
He has a keen interest in cleaner technologies and efficient resource management, as well as a good understanding of gender issues, labour rights, and multicultural issues in the workplace. The SeaWeb Ocean Summit awarded him the 2019 Seafood Champion Awards for his advocacy work.
Living in the Pacific since 1991 and in Waiheke since 2000, he is committed to principles of sustainability and emission reductions from the point of pragmatism and science.
A keen open-ocean swimmer, surfer, paddler, and cyclist, his initial involvement with WRT started as a volunteer mechanic with the bike hub and now extends to trying to contribute further to the organisation’s growth as a board member.
Sarah Wiggins
Board Member
Sarah Wiggins originally from South Auckland, moved to Waiheke during the Covid lockdown and decided to stay. She joined the board in early 2024, eager to learn and grow in a governance role alongside the talented individuals that make up the WRT board. She offers a diverse background in engagement and change, permaculture, regenerative design practices, and creative placemaking, and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the nurturing of WRT’s mission and vision.
Leslie Hamilton
Board Member
Originally from the USA, Leslie moved to New Zealand so her children could grow up surrounded by natural beauty in a small country with a big heart.
After living near the Waitakere Ranges, she moved to Waiheke to enjoy the beautiful beaches, food and cultural activities. However, she discovered that the true beauty of Waiheke is the community.
As a facilitator, leadership coach and future of work catalyst, Leslie has spent her career supporting people and organisations to make small changes in their behaviour in order to create important changes in their world. She is very excited to be using those skills as a member of WRT to help the Waiheke community build a sustainable future for our island.
Haley Wilson
Board Member
I grew up and lived on Waiheke for 14 years, starting my business and family there. While living on Waiheke my values around community and family developed and solidified. The ethos behind my business is supporting and empowering communities, which is so important to me to be able to give back. That led to my work with the Resources Trust as the bookkeeper, later taking on the accounting tasks and most recently filling the Treasurer role.
I currently reside in the small beach town of Mangawhai with my family. We love the small community vibe, and the way the community comes together to support each other when times are tough.
Myself and my business is still very much focused on supporting and empowering communities. I’m treasurer for two other community groups in Mangawhai and I actively support community ventures in both Mangawhai and Waiheke.
Andrea Bennett
Board Member
Originally from New Zealand, my has taken me across Europe, Asia, and South America. I have always
been interested in optimising, production processes, reducing energy usage, and
advancing sustainable practices.
Most recently whilst working in Germany, I was able to leverage my technical
expertise to drive innovative solutions for energy transformation and efficient
resource usage.
I chose to return to Waiheke in 2024 with my husband, drawn by the island’s
reforestation and wetland regeneration, dark skies, and predator-free initiatives. I am
inspired by Waiheke’s vibrant natural resilience as a model for how we can achieve
more with the resources available to us.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking, camping, travelling and experiencing nature
firsthand.