Meet Our Trustees
Wayne O’Keefe
Co-Chair and Acting Operations Manager
I live locally in Whakatāne with my partner, two daughters and dog. After emigrating from Wales in 1999, I have developed a passion for the flora and fauna of Aotearoa, I have a particular interest in native species, especially threatened plants and Rongoa. I have been working in the community conservation space for 17 years, supporting a wide range of groups and projects. I feel privleged to be a part of the Kiwi Project and I enjoy daily walks in the reserves around Whakatāne.
Shelley Bremner
Co-Chair person
My environmental crusade started years ago with me making a conscious effort to make those small day to day changes to help conserve and protect the environment. Things like composting food scraps, switching the dreaded monthly power bill to an online statement, not plastic bagging my fruit and veges to go in my reusable bag (years before supermarkets became plastic –free).
Not to be discounted. Even the small things are awesome for our planet. And they all made me feel quite self-righteous.
But I wanted to take my environmental stewardship to a new level and share my passion with the community. As a school principal I had the opportunity to include the school community into beach clean ups and dune plantings which was another way to take care of our planet.
So I jumped at the opportunity when approached to join the Kiwi Trust Board. To have had the privilege to join passionate, like-minded people in an effort to protect our cherished kiwi in such a unique way has opened my eyes to our local environment and given me the chance to learn something from the experience.
As a seasoned environmental champion, there are people, animals, and even habitats that have a lot to teach us all.
Clive Tozer
Trustee
I was fortunate to grow up on a rural property beside the bush covered Waitakere Ranges in West
Auckland and from a young age have been captivated by our fantastic native flora and fauna and the
great outdoors.
With an agricultural science and soil and water conservation background I have worked in the
environmental management sector for regional councils, large forestry companies and consultancy
firms. I retired 2 years ago but as is often the case I’m busier than ever!
As a Trustee I have been involved for some years with the Environmental Programme (EP) along with
our kiwi project partners Bay of Plenty Regional Council, DOC, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Awa and WDC.
The EP focuses on the important matter of pest and predator control within the Whakatāne-Ohope
reserves and adjacent lands. I am very keen to see wider species biodiversity flourish as a result of
the dedication and hard work of our great volunteers and contractors. I am also encouraged by the
community and visitor interest in Whakatane Kiwi Trust’s seasonal night walks and our education
programme for school children.
My wife Wendy and I have 3 adult children and 9 grandchildren. We live in the Hillcrest area of
Whakatāne with a bush clad section and still get a kick out of hearing the call of the kiwi nearby.
Marguerite Timbs
Trustee
After retiring from being in business I became more involved with community groups.
I have been a Trustee of the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust since 2009. My involvement with events and fundraising started in 2009 with the release of the 100th kiwi chick Kaputerangi into the Whakatāne bush reserve and has been ongoing.
The support in so many ways over the years from local businesses and individuals has been a major factor in the success of the Kiwi Trust and Project. I am very proud of the way in which the Kiwi Project has developed but the underlying credit must go to all the committed and dedicated contractors and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect the many vulnerable species in our Reserves. There have been many highlights -one of them the trademarking of Kiwi Capital of the World, and also my own ongoing learning of the environment and ecosystem
Catherine Hogg
Trustee
I am a mum to a 13 year old and 11 year old, I was born and raised in Whakatāne area, after some time away nannying in the UK and Canada I came back to the sunny Bay of Plenty after having my children. I am working as a teacher aide, and I am involved in a few other boards and committees in the community. I have been on the Board of Trustees for the Kiwi Trust since 2019.
Kyla Johansen
Trustee
Raised in Whakatāne, I am a mum of four gorgeous children, a dog and two cats. I have been a lawyer at Hamertons for the past 6 years pracicing mostly in Commercial and Residential property, Business Acquisition, Asset Protection and Trust Administration. I am currently a member New Zealand animal Law Association and am passionate about animal welfare. I love being involved in the community of Whakatāne.
Fiona Martyn
Trustee
I am a retired primary school teacher who has made Whakatāne my home since 1976. My ex husband I and built a sailing yacht at Ōhope and sailed it to many countries over 25 years. It gave me first hand experience to view tragic pollution but also environments that were perfect. I enjoyed eco systems that were in the most pristine condition and managed well both on land or in the ocean.