EHA Co-Chair | CEO of Waiheke Resources Trust

Over the past decade Mike has been involved in running and managing NGOs in Aotearoa New Zealand. He lives on Waiheke Island and acts as the General Manager of the Waiheke Resources Trust. After serving on the board of Environmental Hubs Aotearoa for three years, he was elected to the position of Co-Chair. His time here has taught him that we effect meaningful large-scale change, as we collectively challenge established norms, innovate, and envision best practices within the environmental sector.

E: chair@environmenthubs.nz

EHA Acting Co-Chair | Independent - CE of Kaibosh

Susie was the Kaiwhakahaere Hapori at Sustainability Trust for 5 years, which is when she joined the board. Now she is the CE of Kaibosh, the oldest food rescue organisation in Aotearoa with three sites in Te Upoko o te Ika a Muai (Greater Wellington). Susie is a proud dog mum and step mum, and an active member in her local community of Brooklyn.

E: chair@environmenthubs.nz

Board Member of Go Eco, Hamilton and Environment Network Manawatū

“Ko Ellieda Komene tōku ingoa.
Ko Ngāpuhi taku iwi.
No Kirikiriroa ahau.”

Ellieda has a background in education, community and social services, health and local and central government sectors.

In her spare time, she enjoys tramping, taking part in community activities, reading, spending time in the garden and exploring Aotearoa.

She is passionate about social and environmental issues, helping people and working with communities.

Trust Manager of Christchurch Envirohub

Ben graduated from the University of Canterbury specialising in Management, Marketing and Business and Sustainability. Whilst studying, Ben worked as a Community Project Activator for the Shirley Village Project alongside Steve Jones-Poole, helping to create and activate community-based projects. Ben has been the Trust Manager for Christchurch Envirohub since mid-2022, working towards connecting all those working in the Christchurch environmental scene and helping support their mahi. Ben loves to fight for the environment and get involved with his community. You will often find him exploring the hills, mountains and forests, gardening or grabbing pallets off the street to build practical projects.

Partnerships Manager at WAI Wānaka

Following a varied corporate career in senior executive, change management and troubleshooting roles, for the past 7 years Julie has focussed on supporting community-led action in and around Wānaka, including as Partnerships Manager for EHA’s newest Hub, WAI Wānaka.

Julie’s role with WAI Wānaka started her on a journey to find ways to better support community effort and she is keen to apply her experience and skills to assist the EHA Board. Julie has a strong interest in improving impact and outcomes in the for-purpose sector through harnessing collaborative effort, sharing knowledge and reducing duplication.

Julie moved permanently to Wānaka in 2017 with her husband Geoff and their two dogs, Moose and Mango. Julie has fully embraced life in Wānaka and along with daily dog walks she enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking.

Community Programmes Manager at Beautification Trust

Sterling is a dedicated conservation and sustainability expert with a passion for empowering communities and protecting te taiao. She combines a deep respect for indigenous Maaori knowledge with practical strategies to address an ever-changing world. Sterling leads impactful initiatives to help South Auckland communities reduce waste, combat illegal dumping, and take meaningful action for the environment. With a focus on behaviour change and community-driven solutions, she’s committed to making sustainability accessible, achievable, and deeply connected to the people it serves.

Board member at Nelson Environment Centre - Research Fellow at University of Auckland

Born and raised in former East Germany, Marco initially worked in banking before studying management and later becoming a management consultant. After moving to Aotearoa, he discovered his love for philosophy and decided to pursue academia instead. Specialising in ethics, political and social philosophy, and environmental philosophy, Marco now works as a research fellow focused on issues such as climate change, human consumption, and social practices. Committed to ensuring that philosophy has a tangible impact on communities and that theory informs practice in his own life, he also serves on the board of Nelson Environment Centre.

Independent

Originally from Northumberland in the UK, Sadie spent 14 years working in London before moving to Aotearoa in 2017 and making Tāmaki Makaurau her home.

Since arriving, she has worked primarily with a large professional services firm, where she helped to develop their sustainability strategy and reporting, while also completing a Master’s in Management Studies with a focus on sustainability. Sadie recently stepped into a new role as Sustainability Manager at a leading New Zealand aged care provider.

Sadie is passionate about protecting te taiao (our natural world) and believes in the power and resilience of communities. She is committed to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and shared purpose to help build a sustainable future.

Outside of work, Sadie keeps busy with family life, enjoys spending time outdoors, and connecting with others through community projects and initiatives.