Our Speakers

Our Speakers

The good humans who support our mission and give their time to share their knowledge.

Helen Hughes
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Helen Hughes

Having spent most of her career in working for large scale corporates in New Zealand, England and Australia, Helen transitioned into the not-for-profit space in 2023 taking on the role of Tai Urungi - Chief Executive at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, the worlds largest predator fenced eco-sanctuary located in the heart of the mighty Waikato.

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Dr Sean Weaver
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Dr Sean Weaver

Ekos founder Sean Weaver started his career as a forest ecologist and then moved into forest conservation financing. This began in Fiji working with tribal landowners to protect the magnificent rainforests of Wabu Creek (pronounced 'Waambu') in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Sean is an international expert in market-based mechanisms for environmental and climate financing specialising in restorative & environmental forestry.

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Cathrine Dyer
Climate Action, Better Business Guest User Climate Action, Better Business Guest User

Cathrine Dyer

Cathrine Dyer is a Lecturer in Climate Change at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. She teaches in environmental politics and international climate change policy. Her PhD research examined government underreactions to climate change, leading to an interest in commons expansion and collective responses. Cathrine is a regular guest on The Hoon podcast, covering current climate change issues with journalists Bernard Hickey (The Kākā) and Peter Bale. 

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Tawna Woods
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Tawna Woods

Tawna Woods is the founder of Wānaka Body, a personal training and coaching business established in 2015.

What began as a way to support other mothers through the transformative power of exercise has since evolved into a holistic practice that integrates physical fitness with trauma-informed care.

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Nicola King
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Nicola King

Nicola King is an advocate for people and the planet. With a background in design and a Masters in Sustainable Business, she makes big ideas feel real and relatable. Through her platform In Good Nic, she explores how simplifying sustainability could shape our future.

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Syndey Straver
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Syndey Straver

Sydney Straver, Managing Director of &BLOOM, helps investors and organisations in the Pacific shift ESG from a compliance exercise to a driver of strategic value. With experience supporting European firms, she brings global best practices to the region, guiding clients through every stage of ESG strategy. Her approach uniquely focuses on where sustainability and value creation intersect.

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Ewan Mackie

Ewan Mackie

Ewan Mackie is the head of operations at Cardrona and Treble Cone Alpine Resorts. He leads all the sustainability initiatives at the resorts and has been helping guide them towards a new, regenerative, future. A passionate outdoor enthusiast and an engaged collaborator, Ewan feels a strong sense of kaitiakitanga for both people & place.

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Lisa Thompson
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Lisa Thompson

Lisa is the Chief Executive of Wilson & Dorset, based in Wānaka, Wilson & Dorset is reimaging modern living using 100% NZ sheepskin. The Central Otago way-of-life serves as inspiration for the brand – a life that is rooted in nature with deep respect for the land and the farming community.

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Nick Baty
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Nick Baty

Nick, with over 18 years in cyber security, joined ZX Security in December 2021. His expertise includes cyber strategy, governance, and risk management, previously serving as Chief Cyber Security Adviser at the Ministry of Health.

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