Regenerating Nature

Piet is a first-generation Kiwi from Dutch parents. He grew up in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) and is passionate about our wonderful natural environment and nurturing its restoration and protection. He has worked for a variety of councils around Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau in roles focused on resource management, business improvement and leadership. He enjoyed 11 years with Te Papa Atawhai (DoC) including a 20-month secondment with Fonterra. He has also been the Kaitiaki Manager for Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust.

Alaina Pomeroy manages the Million Metres Streams Project. She works closely with communities, farmers and businesses to resource waterway planting projects. She is inspired by the knowledgeable, passionate people working to take care of Aotearoa’s waterways and improve biodiversity and water quality.

She has 9 years’ experience supporting community-led conservation in the Western United States and New Zealand. Alaina has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. Originally from Portland, Oregon, today she lives in west Auckland with her daughter and husband. She enjoys gardening and getting out amongst Auckland’s beaches, bush and waterways!

Matthew supports Covid-affected Kiwis to find employment and careers in environmental restoration. He works closely with a number of SBN’s restoration project partners to increase their recruitment and operational capabilities whilst simultaneously building relationships with large funders to upscale operations and increase employment opportunities. Matt has a Bachelors’ degree in Biodiversity Management and spent years working in the field managing revegetation projects. He also spent time working in local government managing conservation programmes, including community education. Matt has a permaculture design certificate and spends his spare time ensuring he remains connected to nature in the garden.

Rosa is part of our Nature team, focusing on Million Metres. She supports our community and business partners and runs our social media. She has a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business, with experience managing various wildlife conservation projects in Zimbabwe. She is passionate about the environment and excited to be involved in the restoration of New Zealand’s waterways. Rosa loves all things outdoors and is an avid surfer, spending most weekends at the beach. 

Isla is part of our Nature team and has a key focus on our Jobs for Nature project. She has a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology and Environmental Science and has experience in ecological restoration and biodiversity monitoring. Isla is enthusiastic about Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna, and increasing community engagement in restoration programmes. In her spare time, Isla enjoys exploring the Waitākere Ranges and working on various arts and crafts projects.