Mike founded and is CEO of Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust, providing environmental, health and social outcomes for vulnerable communities across Central Otago and Aotearoa.

Nicky is the Queenstown Enviroschools Facilitator. She is passionate about education and the environment.

Ben and Bex own and run Black Peak Farming Limited, trading as Red Bridge Berries and Alpine Fresh. Through these businesses, they farm bull beef and grow berries, greens, and herbs, supplying local communities.

Skye Macfarlane is the Southern Regional Coordinator for Garden to Table, working with schools to teach tamariki practical food skills that build resilience and community. A naturopath, medical herbalist, nutritionist, and public health graduate, she also co-founded the Vern Paddock Project organic market garden and leads formulation for Wild Dispensary.

Lisa Johnston, market gardener, orchardist, and food entrepreneur at Frog Song Farm, grows nutrient-dense produce using bio-intensive organic methods. She co-runs Village Nuts, mentors interns, and leads regeneration projects, weaving abundance, biodiversity, and learning into her community-focused farming vision.

Dr Maureen Murphy researches food system resilience in Melbourne, combining social science, agricultural engineering, and policy expertise to inform climate-adaptive urban food planning and governance.

Alan Renwick is Professor of Agricultural Economics at Lincoln University. His research explores land use change, sustainable food systems and tensions across global, national and local food systems.