Kaiwhakamaru Taiao | Biosecurity Consultant
Pouwhiri | Principal
My focus is on landscape-scale invasive species management. My passion and expertise in protecting our whenua is based on managing pest plants, pest animals and valued introduced species to create better environmental outcomes for our taoka and our people. To achieve this goal, I lead the development and implementation of strategic management plans involving multiple land tenures and a diverse range of stakeholders and species. I feel strongly about kaitiakitaka and ensuring that the generations to come have wild places to explore that are free from invasive species.
I have managed and been involved in numerous landscape-scale conservation and biosecurity projects, including managing wilding pines, various environmental weeds, mammalian predators, wild pigs, rabbits and wallabies. I use spatial data and stakeholder feedback to inform decision-making and effectively use available resources to provide positive outcomes for our landscapes. I enjoy working in our whenua and am fortunate to be involved with numerous amazing people and wild landscapes across Aotearoa.
Qualifications
Postgraduate Diploma (Distinction) (Wildlife Management) University of Otago, NZ
Bachelor of Science (Zoology) University of Otago, NZ
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Affiliations
Certified Environmental Practitioner (General Practitioner), Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)
Member, New Zealand Biosecurity Institute
Member, Project Management Institute
Member, The Wildlife Society
