Meet our people
WRT’s work is made possible by a network of people committed to the Trust’s vision.
Office Crew
Michael Maahs
CEO
Michael has resided on Waiheke Island since 2010. Originally from Detroit Michigan USA, Michael spent a number of years in the states gaining a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning and working for State Government before settling on Waiheke. While in New Zealand Michael also attended the University of Auckland and graduated with a Masters in planning practice.
Michael has specialised in not-for-profit organisations and has worked in this sector in Auckland since 2010, as the national project manager at the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand and now as the general manager at the Waiheke Resources Trust.
Michael has helped create organisations on Waiheke, serving as a founding member of the Waiheke Community Housing Trust. He has also had instumental roles in the creation of the Waiheke Collective, Island Waste Collective, and Te Korowai O Waiheke.
Michael lives with his family on the island and practices and supports sustainable initiatives on Waiheke.
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.
Laura Lynch
Administration & Events Coordinator
Originally from the land of thatched stone cottages in the Cotswolds, Laura has been on an epic adventure across the heights of Europe’s snow-capped mountains to the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean, to find her way to Waiheke back in 2017. She brings a colourful sweetshop of experiences into her work here at WRT.
As a mother to a young daughter Laura is passionate about sustainability and building a bright future for her family and the amazing community, they share it with.
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 at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia.
She has previously worked at GLAM (Gallery, Library, Archives and Museum) sectors coordinating and leading projects as well as taking a role as an Auckland campaign manager for Coalition of Protection of Race Horses and Vegans of Waiheke.
Since she moved to Waiheke in 2015, she has been involved with compost and Zero Waste projects as a volunteer. Her passions for sustainable living, commitment to the community and organisation skills led her to join team WRT.
She lives with 7 rescue animals and is a keen cyclist, gardener, home cook and activity-advocating eco-friendly and vegan in her own time.
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.
Kayleigh Appleton
Zero Waste Manager
Kayleigh grew up on the wind-blasted Orkney Isles of Scotland and followed the sun to Aotearoa in January of 2018. She has always been a child of nature and is passionate about trying to life as zero waste as possible. She views working as the Zero Waste Events Coordinator for Waiheke as primarily an educational role and a wonderful chance to vibe with people about where they are at on their waste-awareness journey. Based at the Waiheke Resources Trust on Waiheke she also works as the WasteWise Facilitator for Kai Conscious, a composter on the Compost Co. hot composting facility and as part of the Love Our Wetlands restoration team.
Nathalya Larson
Waiheke Waterways Lead
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Nathalya decided to spend a weekend on Waiheke and instantly fell in love with it. The short weekend trip turned into 7 years and she now calls Aotearoa home.
Growing up in São Paulo, she saw first hand the impacts pollution has on our waterways and rivers. Her father has worked for over 38 years in several water treatment projects around South America, so they would talk about the different projects he was working on and how important they were.
She loves being a part of our amazing community and working towards making it a better place for our tamariki.
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
Bookkeeper
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.
David Woodhouse
Composter
Yossi Ore
Composter
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. I live in Oneroa with my partner, 2 kids, cat and dog.
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.
Maria Verdinelli
Assistant Restoration Manager
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, María arrived at Waiheke Island in 2014 on her Working Holiday Visa and quickly realised that the island was a unique paradise with a very particular and lovely community in which she wanted to settle down for a longer term.
Back in Argentina, she obtained a degree in human resources, but her desire to explore new experiences saw her try a few different jobs until she discovered the landscape gardening industry in which she finally felt a deeper connection. Maria learnt the patterns and processes of nature to live in a more sustainable way, and permaculture principles through an Auckland permaculture workshop PDC in 2019.
After some time as a Team Leader, Maria now works as Assistant Restoration Manager for the Love Our Wetlands project.
Karla Burgin
Restoration Team Member
Lincoln Jackson
Restoration Team Member
Julian Watts
Restoration Team Member
Yossi Ore
Restoration Team Member
Bike Hub Team
Brad Wallace
Bike Hub Team leader
Brad is interested in all types of biking, from road to downhill and everything in between. He’s been tinkering with his own bikes for over 30 years and loves to pass on tips and tricks relating to bicycle maintenance.
Fionn Lawley
Bike Hub Operator
Fionn is born and bred on Waiheke with a huge interest in mountain biking. He is knowledgeable, a fast learner, and keen to get stuck into any problem. When he’s not tearing up on the trails you would see him at the Bike Hub.
Cassie McCracken
Bike Hub Operator
Cassie loves bikes! She has toured by bike from Cape Reinga to Bluff, worked in bike repair shops, and volunteered at Bike Hub Waiheke. She is passionate about making cycling accessible to as many people as possible and helping people gain confidence taking care of their bikes.
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.
Ken Rhodes
Bike Hub Operator
A relative newbie to the cycle scene, Ken is just starting out on his path to mechanical mastery. Favourite reading: the big blue book of bicycle repair.
Interns
Liv Bird
Kia ora,
I’m Olivia, a remote graphic design intern, for WRT. I’m just about to finish my degree in psychology and English, which I’ve loved doing.
After doing climate activism for a few years, I realised that to future-proof our world we need to focus on the solutions to the climate crisis just as much as the problems causing it. I’m really excited be part of an
organisation that is absolutely part of those solutions.
In my free time you’ll find me reading, listening to music, swimming,
or lying in the sun with my cats!
Katrine Busk
Kia ora,
My name is Katrine. I’m from Denmark and have a master in Philosophy and History from Aarhus University. I’ve always been very passionate about sustainability and making conscious decisions that have a positive impact on the environment. An internship in WRT seemed like a great option to gain more professional experience in an environmental organization that works in close relation with the local community, as well as getting hands-on experience with composting, cooking, and nature restoration.
During my internship I will live in Waiheke and I’m excited to learn more about Kiwi culture and living, as well as experiencing the wonderful nature of New Zealand.
In my leisure time I love to read, doing crafts eg. knitting, climbing, hiking and cooking vegetarian food.
Abby Patterson
Kia ora,
My name is Abby, and I am a biology and environmental science student at the University of Auckland with a keen interest in all living things and a passion for conservation. I am Auckland-born and raised. I have always loved visiting Waiheke Island over the summer months.
I look forward to spending the next three months here and giving back and working with an organisation that does excellent work in the community and aligns with my studies and interests.
From this internship, I hope to gain some field experience of the great work that WRT does and apply my interests to a job
Conor Coles
Kia ora,
My name is Conor Coles and I’m a student from the USA studying Geography & Geospatial Science. I’m a GIS technician in the Oregon State University IT department so I’m very excited to apply the skills I learn at WRT to my future work in the context of environmental sustainability.
I have always been a big picture person, so I’m anxious to learn about the human-environment interactions in Aotearoa and how I can apply what I learn back home. For me this internship is my opportunity to equip myself with the knowledge and experience to live a more harmonious, sustainable, and satisfying life.
Femke Bruel
Kia ora,
My name is Femke. I’m a Creative Business student from The Netherlands and will be living on Waiheke Island during this internship. I’m excited to apply and improve my skills at WRT, while also contributing to and learning more about sustainability.
I love playing sports, specifically soccer, mountain biking, and snowboarding. I also enjoy traveling and reading. This internship provides me the opportunity to work abroad and learn in a different environment and culture. I hope to become more conscious about being environmentally sustainable and providing a positive impact in the future.
Emily Kachinski
Kia ora,
I’m Emily, an on-site intern from the US. I graduated last year from university in North Carolina, and am planning to get my Master’s in Environmental Business in September of next year. I had been working in consulting in Boston this year and would love to transition into more of an environmentally-focused consulting role.
I’m excited for this internship to learn more about how WRT encourages sustainable practices for local businesses and for other members of the community, and to meaningfully contribute to the organization’s mission. The decision for businesses to adopt more environmental practices is no longer an option but is really a necessity.
Francisca Carlos
Kia ora,
My name is Francisca, and I’m a remote graphic design intern based in Auckland. I’m
currently studying communication and interaction design at Auckland University of
Technology.
I have a passion for music, and I enjoy playing the piano and viola. I engage in a variety of musical activities, such as playing in orchestras, accompanying choirs, performing on stage
and teaching children.
I look forward to learning more about healthy and environmentally friendly practices as well as help create designs to promote sustainability.
This internship will allow me to further develop my creative and technical design skills and apply them to meaningful projects.
Kaitlin Windmeyer
Kia ora,
My name is Kaitlin, and I am a remote communications intern. I am currently studying law and commerce at the University of Auckland. I am an avid sports enthusiast, who loves playing netball and tennis.
I am passionate about environmental conservation and eager to gain practical experience in the nonprofit sector. I look forward to developing my skills within this inspiring community and contributing to the WRT whānau.
Board
Bill Kinghorn
Chairperson
Bill Kinghorn worked 33 years as a secondary school teacher of many subjects including Mathematics, Physics, General Science, Geography and Basic Economics.
This career included working in urban and rural schools, traditional, private and alternative schools, and almost three years working in Fiji.
A return to university study and a year working (unsuccessfully) as a yacht broker was followed by 10 years working as a secondary school counsellor.
Bill has largely retired from salaried work, however retains his registration with NZAC, and continues to do some counselling work.
Bill’s travels include visiting a number of Pacific Islands, USA, UK, Europe, Japan, China and India.
Bill’s involvement in the Waiheke Resource Trust is an expression of his interest in the raising of social awareness and assisting initiatives aimed at increasing environmental sustainability in the Waiheke Island Community.
Beini Guo
Treasurer
Beini is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with seven years of M&A experience, having spent her first two years at an investment banking firm before moving to the Corporate Finance team in PWC.
Beini brings to the treasurer role a wealth of experience having been involved in a range of mergers & acquisitions, valuation and strategic review projects. Her experience spans across different industries such as healthcare, food & beverage, information technology and tourism, including cross-border deals with the UK and China.
WRT are excited to benefit from this experience working in the corporate finance industry that taught her how to consistently deliver in high pressure environments whilst maintaining a strong attention to detail.
She fits right in with the ethos of our team with a love for the outdoors that includes camping and exploring New Zealand.
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.
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.
Michael Tavares
Board Member
Michael Tavares originally from New South Wales comes to us via the giant wet eucalypt forests of Tasmania.
An experienced Environmental, Social and Community Campaigner, Michael brings with him years of experience in organising and advocating for change.
Active in the local Forest and Bird committee and various grassroots campaigns, Michael lives simply, and is a champion for local democracy, engagement and creative solutions.
Michael strongly believes in the Waiheke community’s ability to meet the unique and universal challenges faced by our island home, and to lead on sustainability solutions.
Mark Russell
Board Member
Mark Russell is originally from Ireland,