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Our vision is to see vibrant, healthy, indigenous ecosystems valued across the Waimakariri District.
Our purpose
In 2021, the Waimakariri District Council assisted a group of knowledgeable and enthusiastic community members to set up the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust.
Since our set-up we have engaged with landowners who want to improve habitat for wildlife as well as organised public lectures across the district from experts in ecological research and hands-on restoration.
We have a vision to help the community to help the district’s biodiversity in many practical and educational ways.
Photo by Daniel Dirks
Our trustees and staff
Chair
Sandra Stewart
Former Waimakariri District councillor, award-winning journalist and newspaper editor, Waimakariri water-zone committee member six years, first Waimakariri biodiversity champion and Arohatia te awa (Cherish the river) founder.
Treasurer
Fiona van Petegem
Fiona is excited to be supporting the increase of indigenous biodiversity in the region, providing more areas for our enjoyment.
Trustee
Matt Lester
Matt Lester is a landscape architect and a long term resident of Waikuku Beach. He has been chair of the Waikuku Community Group and Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.
Trustee
Andrew Thompson
Andrew has a business management and accountancy background and is a
member of the Woodend-Sefton community board. He helped get the trust up and running in 2022 and was the first project coordinator for the trust.
Trustee
Russell Keetley
Russell is a Kaiapoi Tuahiwi community board member and senior project manager at Environment Canterbury. He brings extensive business and project management expertise to the trust.
Trustee
Grant Edge
Grant has vast experience working alongside community groups, water zone committees, and local and regional forums and offers valuable insights to help deliver projects that achieve meaningful outcomes for indigenous biodiversity in our district.
Project coordinator
Dr Noah Davis
Dr Noah Davis is a freshwater ecologist and Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust Coordinator with experience across ecological research, environmental consultancy, monitoring and restoration. With a PhD in Ecology and a strong connection to the Waimakariri District, Noah brings a practical, science-led approach to supporting local biodiversity projects. He is passionate about helping communities protect, restore and enhance indigenous biodiversity through clear advice, collaboration and practical action.
Principal Funding Partners
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Collaboration Partners
