In the vision of our Trust, the biodiversity of our ocean, coastal areas, our streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands is respected as a taonga (treasure). We view these systems as a whole with no boundaries. Restoration of any part of the system supports the whole. Ours is a special generation, we have the opportunity and obligation to reverse past trends of exploitation of the natural world. We feel there is an urgent need to halt continued degradation of the natural systems and biodiversity upon which all life ultimately depends. In the social and cultural realms there are positive paths forward which we will work to develop and support.
The Northland-based Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust was established in 2002, as a charitable umbrella and support organisation for the Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) marine education and Whitebait Connection (WBC) freshwater education programmes. These are both leading models in education for sustainability in New Zealand and now available nationally.
In addition to EMR and WBC we have developed a range of supporting projects, resources and services such as community guided snorkel days, community events for Seaweek & Conservation week, DVD’s, the MarineNZ website, and the Drains to Harbour and Mangrove Discovery programmes. A diagram of the structure of the trust and its programmes can be viewed by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
The Trust recognises the Treaty of Waitangi and will strive to honor the principles of this founding document. The partnership between the cultures challenges us to learn from and respect the knowledge and wisdom underlying the tikanga (tradition) of our indigenous culture. Empowerment and restoration of the kaitiakitanga (guardianship) is a critical challenge and an even greater opportunity in today's society.
The Trust sees education as a vital part of society and central to all environmental restoration. We will support the community in every way possible to develop environmental education that is based on experiential learning and engagement in real environmental challenges and opportunities facing communities.
The Trust works from a vision that sees communities ultimately holding the solutions and resources to tackle the environmental problems that we face today. The Trust will strive to work in ways that builds community involvement, fosters equity, and works toward a shared vision of ecological sustainability as the basis of all community.
The continued development of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust brings together an extensive array of professional skills and diverse capabilities. Within our group of six trustees there is a balance of youth and experience, scientific, social scientific, leadership and educational accomplishment. Our trustees include marine biologist and photographer Dr Roger Grace, an environmental public relations specialist Sioux Campbell, biologist and marine conservation campaigner Vince Kerr, businessman and commercial diver Hilton Leith, environmental social entrepreneur Samara Nicholas, environmental educator Kim Jones and Maoritanga enthusiast Nicki Wakefield.
We embrace a philosophy of experiential learning and fostering community engagement in education for sustainability and action. Our work is unique in its simple yet powerful principles and robust scientific foundation. Through this we deliver solutions to some of New Zealand’s most pressing environmental challenges.
An inspiring blend of community based social marketing, education for sustainability and community engagement principles, combined with demonstrated passion and leadership from our trustees, consultants and co-ordinators provides us with a special ability to motivate change.
Trustees:
Chairperson
Vince Kerr (our current Chairman) is a biologist with a background in environmental education, forestry, horticulture and conservation management. Vince is an advocate for marine conservation. Vince played a key support role in the Kamo High School marine reserve campaign.
Vince is the driving force behind our Trust community marine information website www.marinenz.org.nz
Trust Office and Contact: PO Box 4267, Kamo, Whangarei, Email: vincek@igrin.co.nz. Phone: (09) 435 1518
Programme Director and Joint Secretary/Treasurer
Samara Nicholas (nee Sutherland) is the programme director and EMR national coordinator. She has responsibility for the overall management of the EMR programme; liaison with funders & partners; milestone and financial reporting; and some delivery. She was recognised in 2005 in the Sir Peter Blake Leadership awards as one of New Zealand 's Emerging Leaders. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from AUT and is a graduate of Northland Polytechnic's Diploma of Environmental Management, and was a co-founder of the EMR and Drains to Harbour programmes. Samara is also a graduate of Kamo High School , where she was Head Girl and played a key role in the Kamo High School marine reserve proposal. Samara is a PADI Divemaster and registered assessor for unit standards in snorkeling.
Other Achievements include: Whangarei Young Person and Young Leader Award, 2004, IUCN-sponsored youth attendee at the International Marine Protected Areas Conference in Geelong, Australia, 2005, Northland Conservation Award, 2005, Northland Seaweek coordinator, 2005, 2006 & 2007, NZ representative at International Youth Development Exchange Programme, Japan, 2006, attendance at the University of Auckland Fundraising for Not-For Profit organisations and Motivation & Leadership short course, 2007 and DOC-sponsored Youth Voice delegate at Digital Earth, Berkley, USA, 2007
Joint Secretary/Treasurer and Delivery Team Leader
Kim Jones (nee Boyle) is the national coordinator for the Whitebait Connection programme and a Whangarei District coordinator for the EMR programme. kim also helped co-found the Drains To Harbour stormwater awareness campaign and Mangrove Discovery Programme. She achieved her Open Water SCUBA Diving certification and surf lifesaving bronze star and medallion whilst at high school. She is a graduate of the Diploma in Environmental Management and Conservation at Northland Polytechnic. She received the Golden Bay Cement student scholarship in 2005 in recognition of her achievements, which has helped fund her education and provided her with experience working within the environmental management industry. She has a National Certificate in Business Administration and Computing. Kim was a selected member of the youth delegates at the 2006 Digital Earth symposium on sustainability and is also a committee member of the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education, Northland Branch. Kim has been involved with the trust since 2003 and has been a trustee and coordinator since 2006. Kim has recently achieved her Divemaster certification and has been elected as a member of the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve Advisory Committee.
Sioux Campbell has a long association with environmental education, promotion and sustainability initiatives stretching back to her early days as a journalist at the start of the 1980s. Providing local coverage of the 245T and Think Big Programme issues in Taranaki was the beginning of a life-time commitment to engaging others in environmental protection. Sioux's professional background as a reporter, feature writer, public relations practitioner, educationalist and regional manager brings a range of skills to the trust and mixes well in her current work as both a senior conservation officer and environmental public relations consultant. She is also a keen diver, open water swimmer, triathlete, kayaker and community participant.
Nicki Wakefield (Ngapuhi, Ngai Tahu, Te Arawa) holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waikato. Throughout her study, which ranged widely from marine and terrestrial ecology to study of the Resource Management Act, Nicki gained many skills. Since completing her degree in 2007 Nicki has undertaken genetic research on plant and animal species endemic to New Zealand (Giant Wire Rush and the Auckland Tree Weta) and began learning the EMR programme and it's kaupapa in 2008. Nicki is a Northland & Auckland EMR regional coordinator and is also highly involved with the Whitebait Connection programme.
Hilton Leith is the most recent member of our team. His background and experience is in business and commercial fishing. His energy and skill sets have been a fantastic addition to our trust!
Dr Roger Grace is a well known marine biologist and professional photographer. Roger is an active campaigner for marine conservation in New Zealand and internationally. He has played a role in many of New Zealand’s marine reserve campaigns and is a frequent contributor of articles on marine conservation to popular magazines. Roger was involved as a supporter and biologist for the Great Barrier, Tiritiri and Mimiwhangata marine conservation projects. Roger is a regular contract photographer on the Greenpeace vessel "Rainbow Warrior". He received the Queen's Service Medal for public service in 2005. Roger is a PADI rescue diver and OSH certified for scientific, photographic and tourism diving.
Hilton Leith is the most recent member of our team. His background and experience is in business and commercial fishing. His energy and skill sets have been a fantastic addition to our trust!
