Nature & Business Symposium 2026

Abbie is a senior business leader working at the intersection of sustainability strategy, risk, governance and corporate disclosures. In her role at Z, she is committed to helping businesses and communities become more resilient to environmental, economic and societal shocks from pressures such as climate change, biodiversity decline, income inequality and loss of social cohesion. She brings broad cross-sector experience across conservation, environment, energy, transport and philanthropy to her mahi. Abbie holds a Master’s with Distinction in Environmental Policy and is passionate about protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's natural beauty and native species.

Cat is focused on the delivery and development of the Nature Positive programme at Silver Fern Farms. Her work focuses on a systems-thinking approach to translating nature, climate and stewardship outcomes into credible, market‑led value propositions for capital and customers. Before her current role, Cat held various roles in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, including UNDP, Pacific Islands Forum, Cook Islands Govt, MFAT and in the Beehive. 

Claire is an experienced practitioner who leads and delivers a range of ecology programmes and projects. This includes ecosystem and threatened species management, ecological impact assessments and expert advice to asset owners and regulators. She has a strong technical background in terrestrial ecology and biodiversity management encompassing forest, freshwater wetlands and coastal ecosystems. Claire takes a solutions-oriented approach to challenges, backed by subject-matter expertise, strategic planning and project management.

Erik works at the intersection of science, policy, Te Ao Māori and conservation delivery. With more than 20 years’ experience delivering nationally significant conservation outcomes, he is known for building alliances across government, iwi and the private sector. Erik has led major multi-partner programmes and is a recognised voice on market-based approaches to biodiversity and climate challenges. 
 
TNC is a global environmental non-governmental organisation dedicated to addressing the climate and biodiversity crises to ensure a future where both people and nature thrive.
 

Isabella (Ngāti Kohua, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Maru (Hauraki), Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pikiao, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongomaiwahine & Ngāti Kahungunu) leads the development of Whakaoraora Te Wairoa: The Wairoa River Regeneration Strategy, aimed at empowering the community to care for and reconnect with the awa (river). Her work weaves mātauranga (knowledge) Māori and contemporary ecological science across freshwater and coastal monitoring, biodiversity enhancement, GIS mapping and rangatahi engagement. She has a strong passion for strengthening whakapapa connections between people and te taiao (nature).

James leads the design and delivery of sustainability programmes that embed nature, climate and environmental performance into business systems and decision-making. He is passionate about helping businesses understand their relationship with nature and translating that into practical action. James brings a systems perspective, connecting strategy, data and governance to support resilient, nature-positive outcomes.

Julia supports New Zealand businesses in their transition to an equitable, low emissions and climate resilient economy. She provides expertise on environmental, social and governance topics, including risk management, financing and strategy. She has spent more than a decade in the banking sector and brings experience across human rights policy and programmes, international relations and policy.

Kate Meyer is a sustainability scientist and engineer. She is also the creator of Planetary Accounting, an internationally recognised, peer-reviewed framework that translates global limits for nature into actionable metrics. Think of it as Google Translate for environmental stewardship, making complex data accessible to anyone. Kate is the founder of the Planetary Accounting Network, tech platform Planetary Insights, and circular economy business Sports Circle. Her work has been recognised through TEDx and Auckland University's 40Under40, and has shaped key international relationships including with the European Commission.

Kate helps clients navigate the transition to a low carbon economy and the evolving ESG regulatory landscape. A trusted adviser across the public and private sectors, she works with financial institutions, corporates and not-for-profits on climate and sustainability policy, law and strategy. Before joining Chapman Tripp, Kate was Head of Climate Action at the Sustainable Business Council and spent nine years at MFAT as an environmental lawyer, diplomat, climate change negotiator, and Private Secretary to the then-Minister of Climate Change, James Shaw. She has been recognised in the global Forward 40 as a rising star in ESG and sustainability law.

Kiri Joy is curious about nature and ecology across science, technology and business. By bridging these sectors she believes we can find a more regenerative paradigm for our planet. She is passionate about the restoration of native ecosystems, especially in urban areas. Importantly, this includes restoring people's connection with nature. Her recent work focuses on applying AI and remote sensing to monitor nature investments for business.

Kim leads Contact Energy’s sustainability strategy and the company’s approach to nature. With more than 20 years of experience across the port and energy sectors in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, her work bridges major infrastructure and the natural environment. She is passionate about connecting people with nature and bringing it into the boardroom as a strategic priority. Kim focuses on simplifying the business case for nature, helping organisations unlock clear value, investment and long-term advantage through science-based, nature-positive decision-making.

Kimberley (they/them) leads SBN’s nature programme, working to put nature at the heart of organisational decision-making across all sectors and increase action and investment for te taiao (nature) to thrive. Kimberley has experience across academia, corporate sustainability and supporting SMEs to act on climate change. They love sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration. They also draw inspiration from volunteering with community nature regeneration projects and witnessing the resurgence of native manu (birds) in their home city of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. 

Laura's seven-year journey with L'Oréal spans philanthropy, gender equity, social impact and climate action. Originally from Reunion Island, a French territory, and having lived in several countries, she brings an international perspective to her work. Driven by her passion for climate justice, Laura leverages her global outlook to inspire systemic change and foster resilient and equitable communities.

Lisette manages the day-to-day oversight of staff, contractors and funding applications for fencing and planting projects around the Kaipara Moana catchment.  Of Ngāti Kahu/Ngāpuhi, Scottish and English decent, Lisette's previous environmental roles have been with One Billion Trees, the Kauri Dieback programme and volunteer work for her marae or community. Kaipara Moana Remediation is a decade-long collaboration to protect and restore the mauri of the Kaipara Moana. The long-term goal is to halve the sediment flowing into local waterways and the harbour. 

Louise works with business, finance and government to address nature loss and climate change in practical, credible ways. She brings deep knowledge of climate, nature, strategy and impact to drive systemic change on some of our most complex challenges. Drawing on more than 25 years across private, not‑for‑profit, for‑purpose and government sectors, she offers innovative, connected thinking that supports long‑term value for nature, people and the economy. 

Louise has spent 25 years as a consulting ecologist and environmental scientist, tackling diverse industries and challenging activities. This extensive experience led to her being entrusted with a project of deep cultural and community significance as CEO of the Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust. 

The Trust is tasked with leading restoration of the mauri (life force) of the Kaimai Mamaku ranges and catchments. Louise works alongside iwi and hapū-led restoration teams to build capability, share knowledge and drive collective action. Recently her focus has turned to driving business investment in biodiversity to fix the broken funding model for conservation.

Makere heads an iwi-led project on Aotea Great Barrier Island dedicated to making the island predator-free for native taonga species. The project also provides cultural and economic uplift for whānau and the community through Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea leadership. The project uses cutting-edge technology, including AI-powered cameras and remotely monitored traps to do better conservation with less effort. This holistic approach is securing a future for Aotea where people and nature thrive side by side for generations to come.

Nancy is an ecosystem ecologist and land systems scientist, also with a background in international relations, engaged in interdisciplinary research and science-policy advice and development. Her research investigates the ecological implications of land-use change at a variety of scales (local to national) using field-based measurements, remote sensing analytics, geospatial techniques and systems analyses. Drawing on this scientific expertise, she advises on evidence-based environmental policy and management. Currently a Principal Analyst at He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission, she was a Technical Lead on the 2026 National Climate Change Risk Assessment.

Paul leads one of New Zealand's premier nature-based tourism experiences. His career began as a young kayaker on wild rivers, sparking a lifelong connection to adventure and the natural world. From guiding on the Kaituna River to leading teams internationally, he has focused on creating meaningful experiences that connect people to place. Since returning to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2017, he has driven innovation and regenerative tourism, restoring native forests and inspiring visitors.

Robin is a restoration ecologist with more than 25 years of experience in nature-related strategy and project development for business and finance. He is focused on supporting leading companies, funds and not-for-profit entities, here and internationally, to set nature targets, invest in nature-based solutions and report on outcomes. He works collaboratively to build the capability, verification tools and finance mechanisms needed for a nature positive economy.

Sam is a passionate advocate for nature protection and restoration. At Auckland Council, she leads both direct delivery and partnership approaches to improving environmental outcomes. Grounded in the belief that restoring nature requires collective action, strong partnerships and local leadership, Sam and her operational team work closely with communities, mana whenua and other partners at a range of scales. Together they catalyse, facilitate and deliver lasting benefits for nature and Aucklanders.

Sarah is focused on growing climate adaptation knowledge, practice and collaboration across Aotearoa New Zealand. She has more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale transformation across complex enterprises and government. Sarah led the transport workstream for Aotearoa New Zealand’s first National Climate Change Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan and developed Tiro Rangi, Waka Kotahi’s climate adaptation strategy and plan. In her current role as General Manager, Client at Toitū Envirocare, she brings a systems lens to resilience, aligning purpose, people, systems and processes for enduring outcomes.

Sarah has 25 years of experience helping organisations advance their climate and sustainability goals. She holds a PhD in environmental and marine science and brings senior sustainability experience from roles at Westpac and IAG. Drawing on this, she has worked with more than 100 organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to develop strategy and drive meaningful impact. She serves on the New Zealand Government's Climate Business Advisory Group and the ISO greenhouse gas management standards committee. Sarah is a recognised B Consultant, Certified Carbon Auditor and member of Al Gore's Climate Reality Leadership Corps.

Established in 2017, Te Pu-a-Nga Maara is a rangatahi, or youth-led, collective of taiao (nature) innovators. It was born out of the shared aspirations of Makaurau Marae, Manurewa Marae and Papatuuaanuku Kookiri Marae. The collective's mission is to “revive ancestral knowledge and practices, reconnect people to place and regenerate te taiao for the future”. The project employs and upskills local rangatahi (Taiao Rangers) and embeds local Maatauranga Maaori. Their vision extends beyond mere preservation. They strive to restore local ecosystems, revitalise biodiversity and foster a profound connection between people and place in the Puhinui area.

Note: This text uses double vowels, rather than pōtae (macrons), in te reo to represent long vowel sounds. This reflects the dialect used by Te Pu-a-Nga Maara.  

Tua is an environmental scientist with more than 25 years of industry experience. He combines technical expertise with kaitiakitanga (guardianship) to deliver sustainable underwater solutions. Deep Dive Division specialises in regenerative infrastructure, advanced underwater robotics and culturally grounded environmental restoration. Data-driven insights empower clients to protect and enhance freshwater and marine ecosystems.