ASPIRING BIODIVERSITY TRUST - Key Persons
Anthony provides direction for the Trusts scientific-based indigenous biodiversity enhancement projects, and helps manage logistics, remote technology and safety in relation to field programme development.
He is a Geo-scientist with specialist technical input into the delineation of metals in the Earth's crust, many of these metals increasingly strategic and indispensable to expanding sustainable energy generation and consumption. Presentation of papers at international conferences provides Anthony with a means of ongoing professional development.
His previous experience in directing charitable/not-for-profit organisations includes the re-development of the Rainbow Snow-Sports area. He has a strong appreciation for the natural world, participates in a range of outdoor pursuits, and considers himself a capable amateur meteorologist. His post-graduate university projects include a New Zealand volcanologic study, and an economic evaluation of a resource development in Vietnam.
Gus Roxburgh has enjoyed a wide-ranging career encompassing television, film, print and online media. His work has taken him from Antarctica to Alaska and many places in between and with his unique and broad range of production skills he is equally at home behind or in front of the camera. With a Masters degree in Natural Resource Management and outdoor skills honed during 12 seasons as a heliski guide, Gus thrives on projects with a scientific, environmental and adventurous nature.
Patron: Lydia Bradey ONZM, IFMGA
ABT are delighted to announce the appointment of Lydia Bradey, ONZM, IFMGA International Mountain & Ski Guide, Legendary Mountaineer (the first woman to ascend Mt Everest without Oxygen), physiotherapist as Patron.
Lydia on the Summit of Everest in 2016 (Photo credit Mike Roberts)
Job Titles:
- ABT 's Project Manager
- Founding Trustee
Rachel is a professional Ecologist and Ornithologist (specialising in threatened species/ habitats) with international experience; working as a county ecologist safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity for local government, as an environmental consultant and a field project officer and ornithologist for various NGO's. She is a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM), has a Bachelor of Science in Ecology with Hons and has completed post-graduate studies in Biological Recording, Ornithology and Science Communication.
Rachel is experienced in collaborative and partnership working in relation to high profile ecological projects for infrastructure and development and in relation to local biodiversity community projects and biodiversity action plans. She continues to inspire and promote the future kaitiakitanga - caretakers of the natural world through connecting people with nature.
Rachel has been involved with indigenous biodiversity projects in relation to the Makarora area since April 2016. Her work has provided an update on the current population status of Makarora's indigenous braided river avifauna and helps lead a proactive way forward to the protection, enhancement and restoration of endemic threatened braided river bird species. This is also the case for the endangered South Island rock wren and other threatened species such as whio (blue duck). Rachel is a supportive member of OSNZ, Australasian Bat Society, and NZ Ecological Society supporting conferences and contributing to local events.
ABT's Project Manager Rachel, implements scientific based biodiversity monitoring, restoration and awareness raising projects, with over 20 years' experience in the field of ecology and environmental management.
Scott is acclimatised to life in the backcountry as a keen huntsman and Vice President of the Upper Clutha Deerstalkers Association. He has extensive experience of backcountry skills, multi-species invasive predator control throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and is very familiar with the locality as a Makarora resident.
Scott enjoys passing his skills on to the next generation through delivery of outdoor skill courses for the Deerstalkers Association and to his family, who also contribute to the important work of Aspiring Biodiversity Trust. Scott has assisted protected species dog assisted surveys for whio (blue duck) within the Makarora catchment and is looking to enrol his own canine in the national conservation dog training programme. He also has a keen eye/ear for the mohua. ABT are proud to have Scott as part of the threatened species programme delivery team.
Stella joined the team early 2022 and what great timing as we are just in the process of revising our strategic plan for the next 5 years onwards!
Stella joins us with her passion for building better future's. Stella's career expands across many iconic organisations from scientific, logistics, technology and biofuel sectors and has included roles from strategic change advisory, operational transformation to leadership.
She is a fellow and past Chairperson and Board member for the Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ), youth development roles as mountain safety council instructor, scout leader, WORD mountain bike mentor and juggling being mother of two adventurous boys.
Stella's work focuses on translating strategic thinking and concepts into meaning and connection for people, helping them uncover opportunities to optimise engagement.
Sven on the ABT Siberia invasive predator control servicing route - protecting endangered rock wren, kea and breeding whio populations
Sven joins the ABT threat management team during the peak season when conditions allow access to the backcountry to protect remnant populations of endangered indigenous biodiversity.
Sven is a professional outdoors Guide and Ski Patroller. Originally from Australia, Sven`s enjoyment of the mountains took him to New Zealand and then Japan where he has spent the past decade chasing endless winters while working in the ski industry.