PROJECT MANAGER

Kristel leads the Karioi Project on all fronts, from her laptop to Karioi’s peak. A trained marine ecologist with a background in biology, conservation, and education in Kenya and Samoa, she established A Rocha Aotearoa, and subsequently, the Karioi Project in Whāingaroa, her hometown. She is an avid surfer and a busy mom always seeking the next adventure.

OPERATIONS / BACKYARD HUB COORDINATOR

Isabelle oversees our operations and is the friendly face of the Backyard Hub. A former ultra-marathon runner, white water guide, school teacher, firefighter, and baker, French-Canadian Isabelle has called Whāignaroa home since 2007. She is a mother to three adventurous tamariki, and they enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, and trapping together.

VOLUNTEERS COORDINATOR / RANGER

Jasmine's break from a hectic life as a fashion stylist led her to discover she’s actually a conservationist and a hunter at heart. Now a stylish huntress, she finds solace in nature, dedicating herself to local conservation. When not training volunteers, Jasmine enjoys surfing, swimming, biking, and hiking, complementing her new life in harmony with the outdoors.

LEAD BIODIVERSITY RANGER

Louie grew up in Whāingaroa and loves all things wild, natural and creative. After doing different things, and adventuring in different places, he has come home to Whāingaroa to reconnect and give back to Karioi. Cheerful and adaptable, Louie is quite happy in the bush, the shed, the art studio, the kitchen, and the list goes on.

ECOLOGIST

A trained ecologist, Georgia specialises in monitoring and managing native pekapeka. Enjoying the diversity of our native flora and fauna, she is thrilled to apply her knowledge to safeguard the locally breeding manu. Besides monitoring local wildlife, Georgia enjoys surfing and exploring nature with her sons.

BIODIVERSITY RANGER

No Taranaki ahau. From growing up in Tamaki ki Makaura, raising a family, and running a shoe repair business for 30 years, Terence has found himself in Ruapuke, where he spends time restoring the land to natives. An avid adventurer and passionate about te taiao, he joins the team to utilise his skills in the ngahere.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Amber, a qualified early childhood educator, effortlessly blends education, conservation and fun. With her warm smile, she makes tamariki feel valued and included. She oversees the Project’s education programme, but her off-the-clock fun includes being a massage therapist, lover of live music, and pursuing adventures.

EDUCATOR / SEABIRD & BYH PLUS+ RANGER

Kylie brings deep expertise and boundless passion to our team. A qualified veterinary nurse with experience in wildlife and zoo hospitals, she founded Raglan Native Rehabilitation to rescue taonga bird species. Waikato-born and based in Waitetuna for 20 years, she merges hands-on care with conservation, giving every bird a fighting chance.

EDUCATOR

Hollie brings creativity, warmth, and a love for the outdoors to her role. From the UK, she moved to Raglan for its coastal lifestyle and community. With a background in surf instruction and a passion for working with tamariki, she blends playful energy with hands-on learning, often inspired by her photography and newfound love of pottery.

EDUCATOR

Val has a dynamic personality and great big hugs. Her passion for outdoor education began at 8 when a chickadee ate seeds from her hands on a school trip in her native Canada. Val has been providing similar experiences for others for over 20 years. When she isn’t in Raglan, she is probably in the Antarctic guiding, kayaking, SUP, and hiking.