As Managing Director of Te Ngahere, I enjoy solving problems and finding practical ways to improve how we work. Whether it’s developing new operational systems, introducing technology, refining field processes or improving efficiency, I’m driven by creating practical solutions that help our team deliver exceptional environmental outcomes.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Ecology and a Master of Marine Science. Before joining Te Ngahere, I worked in conservation and biosecurity with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and private conservation organisations, building practical experience across a wide range of environmental projects.

My passion for continual improvement extends into every part of the business. Much of my focus is on planning projects, developing systems, managing resources and ensuring our crews have the tools, equipment and support they need to succeed. Even small improvements can make a significant difference when they’re consistently applied.

Alongside my academic background, I am a PRINCE2® qualified Project Manager and hold Registered Chemical Applicator (RCA) certification in both Aquatic and Terrestrial Weed Control. I believe strong technical knowledge should always be matched with practical experience, and I enjoy working alongside our field teams to ensure the systems we develop genuinely work in the real world.

Outside of work, I spent time playing professional rugby in Italy—an experience that reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline and resilience. Those values continue to influence the way I lead today.

I’m proud to help lead a company with a strong reputation and an important role in protecting New Zealand’s natural environment. Every project presents a new challenge, and I enjoy working alongside our clients and our team to find practical solutions that deliver lasting results.

Great restoration begins with great systems, practical thinking and people who never stop improving.

For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in conservation, biosecurity and ecological restoration. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Botany, I began my career at the age of 21 and have since worked with the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Auckland Council and now the private sector, helping protect and restore New Zealand’s unique natural environment.

Over the years I’ve learnt that successful restoration is about far more than removing pest plants or protecting native species. Lasting environmental outcomes come from passionate people, strong relationships and doing the small things well, every single day.

Today, I have the privilege of leading Te Ngahere. While I wasn’t the person who founded the company, I am proud to be responsible for its future. Te Ngahere was one of the first companies of its kind, and my role is to build on that legacy—strengthening our people, improving our systems, embracing innovation and ensuring we continue to deliver work that our clients can trust and our team can be proud of.

I still enjoy being involved in every part of the business. Whether I’m working with clients, supporting our field teams, mentoring staff, developing better systems or solving operational challenges, I believe leadership means staying connected to both the work and the people doing it.

Professional development has always been important to me. Alongside more than three decades of practical experience, I am a PRINCE2® qualified Project Manager and am currently completing my Workplace Health and Safety Management Diploma. I believe learning never stops, and I strive to bring that mindset into both my own work and the culture we build at Te Ngahere.

My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing positive change—healthier ecosystems, stronger partnerships, safer workplaces and watching people grow into roles they never thought they could achieve.

Restoration isn’t just about looking after the environment. It’s about looking after the people who care for it too.

Caraway (Caz) brings a strong passion for terrestrial ecology and conservation to Te Ngahere, with a particular soft spot for native botany, threatened plants, and entomology. Before joining the team he worked in a high-paced customer service role while finishing his degree, and volunteered with Motuihe Island Trust, Forest and Bird, and the Auckland Museum entomology collection. He’s an active amateur botanist and a regular iNaturalist contributor.

Caz began his career at Te Ngahere as a field worker and has progressed through Team Leader to his current role as Conservation Project Advisor, where he manages a portfolio of ecological restoration contracts, including several Auckland regional parks. His work spans pest plant control, planting programmes, and pest animal networks, and he oversees projects from start to finish — including site visits and quoting, team setup for project delivery, client reporting, and QGIS mapping. Caz holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Conservation from AUT (2023), majoring in terrestrial ecology, with a third-year research project on arthropod biodiversity on Otata Island.

Anna has over 10 years of ecological restoration, assessment and invasive plant management expertise.  She has experience in native and exotic plant identification skills, biosecurity, technical support for volunteer planting days and project management. Anna enjoys being involved through the whole process of restoration from the planning through to the implementation and has good practical and technical knowledge that informs innovative solutions for sites with unique challenges. This includes providing tailored restoration plans for sites with community groups. archaeological features, threatened species, difficult pest plants problems and contaminated land.

Anna has a Master of Science,  Environmental Science (Applied Ecology and Conservation), Postgraduate Diploma in Science Environmental Science (Applied Ecology and Conservation) and a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from the University of Auckland. She is a member of the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network; Auckland Botanical Society; Ornithological Society of New Zealand; New Zealand Ecological Society; and Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society

Tristan joined the Te Ngahere team in early 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Massey University and has strong practical experience in ecological restoration. He works with government agencies, developers, and private clients to develop effective restoration plans and manage restoration projects from planning through to implementation.
Outside of work, you can find Tristan behind his camera capturing New Zealand’s unique native fauna.