We are a group of like-minded people from all over New Zealand and beyond who appreciate Tongariro National Park as a special place for its natural, cultural and recreation values.
Our goal is to to introduce people to the park and surrounding natural areas through society and volunteer projects and outings.
We enjoy a special working relationship with the Department of Conservation, who manages the park and other conservation areas in the central North Island. We undertake a number of conservation projects on their behalf using TNHS members, New Zealand and international volunteers.
Join us in helping maintain our beautiful natural resource that is Tongariro National Park.
Our Executive
Kia ora koutou
Having been brought up in Rotorua, the Tongariro National Park and Taupo district has been a stomping ground since I was young enough to be slung into an old tramping pack and carted out on day tramps and skiing trips in the early 60’s. In 2013 I relocated back to Taupo after spending time in Australia, Indonesia and various countries in Africa to start a sustainable mineral company which aimed to recover high value minerals from the geothermal brines being discharged from geothermal power stations. Like many others a walk around Lake Rotopounamu initiated me into the work being undertaken by Project Tongariro and the more I learnt about our organisation the more I wanted to volunteer.
In late 2020 I was asked if I would interested in participating on the board of Project Tongariro with Nicola Etheridge needing to spend more time with her young family in Wellington. My initial thoughts were, what does a person from the extractive resource industry bring to an environmental organisation brimming with conservation talent. In discussions with Paul it was highlighted that Project Tongariro can no longer be classified as a small conservation organisation with limited focus but instead it must be viewed as an significant organisation with multiple branches, a significant operating budget and projects covering a large portion of the central plateau. Paul insisted that my experience on various boards as well as time guiding the development of companies from concept to fruition would be of value to Project Tongariro, I hope to prove him right.
I would like to thank Nicola for holding the fort since she took over from Paul and especially for agreeing to extending her term as President until February this year which allowed me to complete a major development with the company I co-founded, Geo40. I would like to thank Paul and his dedicated team of Kiri, Robyn, Rachel and Sian and the Project Tongariro Board for the outstanding mahi they have put in over the last 12 months on our various projects which now stretch from Wairakei to Ohakune. Finally I would like to thank all of you, without your efforts we would not have been able to achieve a fraction of what has been done over the last year.
Nga mihi
Mike
Board Members
Pat Taylor - Treasurer
Before I retired from paid employment following lockdown in 2020, I was an accountant for over 50 years, after graduating BCom from Canterbury University.
I grew up in Timaru but have worked in Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, Katikati and Tauranga which is where I have been living for the last 18 years.
Lesley Mochan, another board member, suggested that I might like to take on the position of treasurer of Project Tongariro as she knew I was looking for a special activity to challenge me and for which I have the experience. I took only a little convincing.
I am delighted to help with looking after the numbers (and the environment) and visiting this stunning part of the country more often.
Paul Green
My youth in Wellington was dominated by extensive tramping and mountaineering throughout NZ and in Peru to the detriment of school and university success. I married Lynne in 1970 and became a Ranger at Ohakune in 1974. Our two children were born there. Other than periods at Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park and Fiordland NP as Chief Ranger I remained at Tongariro until retirement in 2011.
I have been committed to vision and evolvement of Project Tongariro (TNHS) since its inception and been both President and Hon Director as well as being made a Life Member. In addition to 32 years of conservation management experience I have had extensive Board and Chair experience with a range of business, social, health and recreation groups.
Shirley Potter
I am extremely passionate about our native fauna and flora. Our environmental crusade began against possums in 2007, followed closely by the suite of other predators in the neighbourhood. There is a lot of restoration work to be done with the invasion of pest plants in our beautiful area and I am very happy to be involved helping to make some big changes to the landscape.
Being active in Project Tongariro opens many doors to environmental activities and a raft of skilled and knowledgeable people. I am soaking up as much as I can and hoping to share those learnings with as many others as possible, “infecting” them with the same dislike for pest animals and plants.
Karen Grimwade
I have loved the beautiful forests and fragile alpine landscapes of the central plateau ever since arriving as a young thing - 30 odds years ago. I have been skiing, tramping and walking in the area ever since. I worked for DOC for many years in various operational and admin roles, and also a member of the TNHS – the wonderful people I worked with over those DOC years shaped my conservation views. Being a member of the Ohakune & Turangi fire brigades influenced my belief in community networks being essential to make projects happen.
I have a BA in NZ History, and MA in Cultural Heritage Management. After having my two lovely boys, I wrote local histories, helped research & design interp displays and most recently updated the TNP Plant Identification guide.
Now my boys are off to university, giving me time on my hands, so like many on the Project Tongariro Board, I am keen to ‘give back’ to this precious place.
Originally from Rotherham, South Yorkshire in the UK, I have worked in conservation since leaving University in 1990. I worked in the UK as a Ranger for 12 years then moved to New Zealand with my Kiwi partner Sarah in 2001.
I was lucky enough to work as a Biodiversity Ranger for DOC in Turangi for 10 years, living in Taupo and then Turangi. This is when I developed my love for the area. I worked directly with Project Tongariro.
I then spent 7 years working for DOC at the Waikato District office working on various projects including the Whangamarino wetland and working with Waikato Tainui iwi, hapu and whanau on projects connected to the Waikato River treaty settlement.
I currently work as a Technical Advisor (Weeds) for the Department of Conservation (DOC) based out of Kirikiriroa but very much consider the central north island and Tongariro National Park as my home in New Zealand. It is a place which Sarah my partner, my Mum Jane and I love. Being on the executive committee keeps me connected to the area and people. Project Tongariro are like family to me.
Allan McKenzie
I had a long career at DOC head office in nature heritage protection and associated policy development. I was involved in the creation of the Nature Heritage Fund and the NZ Conservation Authority and Conservation Boards. I’m proud of a my involvement in the procurement of large areas of unique landscape to be protected and preserved by the Crown. I believe my ability to think strategically is a valuable addition to the Project Tongariro Executive.
Always a keen outdoorsman; tramper and skier, I now ski every good day at Mt Ruapehu and each winter season in Canada and maintain my interest in the outdoors by being involved in Mahi Aroha and many other Project Tongariro events.
Lesley Mochan
I am a keen trail runner and became involved with Project Tongariro after completing the legendary Tussock Traverse event. I love being in our natural environment and would like to help protect it for future generations. The Project Tongariro team are such a passionate group and it is inspiring to work alongside the volunteers and team members. It also feels great to be giving back.
Steve Bell
Having retired to Taupō in recent years and with a little time on my hands, I am looking forward to working with the PT team and using time and skills to help our local environment .
Having a lifelong love of the outdoors, and now watching my grandchildren showing a love for the same, what a pleasure it will be to work alongside like minded people.
Our Team
Kiri Te Wano
Director
kiri@tongariro.org.nz
Anna Calvert
Project Tongariro Conservation Coordinator
anna@tongariro.org.nz
Hannah Townley
Project Tongariro Conservation Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
hannah@tongariro.org.nz
Liz Brooker
Waimarino Environmental Educator
liz@tongariro.org.nz
Robyn Ellis
Greening Taupō Coordinator
Predator Free Taupō Coordinator
robyn@greeningtaupo.org.nz
Rachel Thompson
Kids Greening Taupō
Lead Environmental Education Coordinator
rachel@greeningtaupo.org.nz
Heidi Pritchard
Kids Greening Taupō
Environmental Education Coordinator
heidi@greeningtaupo.org.nz
Naomi Keane
Kids Greening Taupō
Assistant Coordinator
naomi@greeningtaupo.org.nz
Our advisors
Nicholas Singers - Singers Ecological (Ecology Technical Advisor (Volunteer))
Alana Delich - Singers Ecological (Senior Ecologist)
Ken Horner - Honorary Solicitor (Halliwells, Taranaki)
Kim Manunui - Marketing and Website (Volunteer)
Thea DePetris - Environmental Education Specialist