All trustees are volunteers and dedicate their own time to help with the governance and the management of the forest.
Tim is a PhD trained ecologist with a passion for the conservation and management of all our living taonga – especially the overlooked or misunderstood ones like pekapeka (bats), fungi, and insects. Tim joined the trust shortly after moving north from Tamaki Makaurau. The forest is an amazing place, and with much potential to flourish even more.
Originally from the UK, Simon has been resident in Whāngarei for over 25 years. Having started as a volunteer, maintaining a trapline, and whilst continuing to spend time assisting the Rangers in the forest, he became a Trustee 2 years ago and is now Secretary of the Trust.
Simon’s work as a landscape architect has a focus on the restoring of natural environments, and finds inspiration from the view of the forest from his office window. Simon says, “Every day in the ngāhere is different. It constantly changes with the seasons, the weather and the time of day.”
Joanne was “born in Korea but bred in NZ” and grew up in Whangārei since her kindy days. Living on the forest edge of Pukenui, Joanne and her husband were keen to volunteer and eventually joined as a Trustee. She has always believed in safeguarding and protecting nature, including all the wildlife and taonga that live within it. Joanne specialises in communications.
Hi, my name is Tracy Kleingeld.
I’m an accountant and have recently joined the Trust Committee. I’ve spent most of my life in Whangārei and have always loved the outdoors. A few years ago, after moving to Te Kamo, I came across Pukenui Forest and was instantly hooked. It quickly became one of my favourite areas to run and walk. It’s one of my happy places. I’m really excited to be part of the Trust and to help look after this amazing place
Zac grew up in the fishing village of Mangonui and has worked in conservation across Aotearoa, including in Waikato and the Western regions of the South Island. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous experience at the Department of Conservation (DOC) and other conservation-related mahi. He worked as a Threatened Species Ranger protecting endangered fauna such as long-tailed bats and Powelliphanta snails. He has also helped build parts of the Paparoa track.
Zac is a modern-day bushman and is happiest when he sees healthy native ngahere with abundant birdsong during his frequent tramping adventures
Winiwini grew up in a Māori community in Whangārei and was instilled with a deep respect for Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview). He has a great passion for te taiao, something he’s been determined to understand more of by studying towards a Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 5) at Te Pūkenga – Northtec. Winiwini has already helped various conservation initiatives around Whangārei to implement tīkanga in their practices, with the ultimate goal of seeing taonga species thrive.
Winiwini is deeply involved with his hapū and is passionate about Mātauranga Māori. He values inclusivity and has a witty humour that can be witnessed through some of the stories he shares. He loves to spend time with his moko and take them out to the ngahere, so that they can have a greater connection and appreciation for Te Ao Tūroa (natural world).
Originally from Auckland, Jane has lived in Whangarei for 48 years. She is a primary school teacher and has a special interest in nurturing children’s knowledge of their local environment so that they can become kaitiakitanga for the place they live in. Jane lives on the edge of the Pukenui Forest and has taken school groups onto her land to learn about the geology and bush of the Pukenui Forest. She thinks this is why she was asked to join the Pukenui Trust.
Hi, I’m Neil Cameron. I’ve been involved with the Trust since near its beginning in 2008, initially supporting pest control with my background in possum and invasive weed management. We started with a small, dedicated team and limited resources, setting up the groundwork for what’s now become a bait-station network covers 85% of the forest. Special thanks to Margaret Pohe, our first secretary, whose dedication helped us reach first big milestones like hiring a full-time Ranger. While my role is now more supportive, it is a pleasure to continue to team with our present members – who are extremely competent in a wide variety of conservation areas, not necessarily envisaged 15 years ago.
The Trust currently employs two rangers and an admin. Our rangers maintain the pest control lines, kauri dieback wash stations, work together with volunteers, and many more! Our admin helps look after the emails, organise events and promotional work, and the list goes on!
Originally from Scotland, Craig has called Aotearoa home for the past six years. While tramping he developed a deep appreciation for its unique natural environment. This connection inspired a career change, leading him to work in conservation.
As a Ranger in the Pukenui Forest, Craig now spends his days surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Te Tai Tokerau. His role primarily involves pest control to help protect native species. He also studies part-time towards a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management.
Mel was born and raised in Okaihau, in the heart of the Hokianga, and after some time away, has returned to settle in Whangarei. Deeply proud of her Northland roots, she recognises how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful region. Mel joined the Trust in mid 2024, initially expecting it to be a temporary role. However, the passion and commitment of the team – dedicated to caring for the ngahere – quickly drew her in, and so she has remained.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
My success is not mine alone, but it is the strength of many
(Whakataukī, Māori proverb)
We would like to thank the long list of all our volunteers, past and present. Whether it was at a one-off weed control working bee, or maintaining a trap line, we appreciate your support.
If you would like to volunteer for the Trust, check out how you can join.
