From environmental educators and project managers to community connectors and zero waste champions, we are united by a shared mission: to empower our region towards a more sustainable, resilient future.
Together, we represent decades of collective knowledge across climate action, circular economy solutions, waste minimisation, and community development. Whether we’re running workshops, delivering impactful programmes, or collaborating with local businesses and iwi, every action we take is shaped by our values and our people.
When you partner with Sustainable HB, you’re not just supporting a cause – you’re joining forces with a capable, courageous team committed to creating real and lasting change for generations to come.
Originally from the Waikato, Sam made Hawke’s Bay home in 2019 and quickly fell in love with its natural beauty and sense of community. With a career shaped by his passion for both sport and the environment, Sam has worked across not-for-profits in both sectors, bringing a strong people-first approach to everything he does.
With a background in large-scale event management, Sam now leads Sustainable Hawke’s Bay as Acting General Manager, focused on turning good ideas into action. He’s driven by collaboration and is committed to working closely with stakeholders, partners, and the wider community to deliver meaningful, lasting impact across the region.
sam@sustainablehb.org.nz
Michelle is the friendly face that greets you at our Hastings Centre and the driving force behind community engagement across both our Hastings and Taradale Hubs. As Community Education Lead, she’s all about building connections, sharing knowledge, and helping locals take practical steps toward sustainable living. From hosting events and workshops to running our Zero Waste Hubs, Michelle ensures these spaces are welcoming, informative, and empowering for everyone who walks through the door.
Originally from Malaysia, Michelle moved to Aotearoa in 2016 to study Zoology. With a background in animal husbandry and wildlife rehabilitation – including hands-on training at Kiwi Park in Queenstown – she brings a deep passion for conservation and environmental stewardship to her role. When she’s not leading sustainability efforts in the community, you’ll likely find her exploring the great outdoors, camping, or tramping through the landscapes she works so hard to protect.
michelle@sustainablehb.org.nz
Jane grew up in Paekākāriki on the Kāpiti Coast, where a deep connection with the natural world took root early. That love for te Taiao led her to study marine biology and philosophy, earning a BSc and a Master’s in Marine Conservation. With a strong foundation in water quality and freshwater ecology, Jane brings both scientific expertise and a people-centred approach to her work.
As Senior Catchment Coordinator for Wai Connection – Tatai Ki Te Wai, Jane supports communities across Hawke’s Bay to care for their waterways from maunga to moana. She’s passionate about kaupapa-driven collaboration, systems thinking, and using storytelling to deepen the connection between people and place. For Jane, it’s all about empowering collective action to protect the wai that sustains us all.
jane@sustainablehb.org.nz
Campbell leads the biodiversity work programme at Sustainable HB, reporting to the General Manager and overseeing the implementation of our strategic biodiversity Pou. His role spans managing catchment and engagement teams, delivering biodiversity consultancy, supporting strategic partnerships, and scaling up initiatives like regional predator control. He also plays a key role in the Wai Connection project, helping priority catchment groups access funding and plan at a catchment-wide level.
With over 30 years of experience across central and local government, NGOs, and charitable trusts, Campbell has held senior leadership roles for more than two decades. He has overseen major ecological restoration and predator elimination projects, including Predator Free Rakiura/Stewart Island and other initiatives across 30,000–50,000 hectares. He has also been involved in large-scale forestry ventures like “Land for Life,” served as a director for a private research start-up, and holds a Master’s in Business Administration.
campbell@sustainablehb.org.nz
If you’re organising an event in Hawke’s Bay and want to make it more sustainable, she’d love to connect.
Born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Jae combines a love for people and the natural world in everything she does. With a background in Social Sciences and a major in Community Psychology, her career has spanned health, education, and community development – all of which she brings to her work at Sustainable Hawke’s Bay.
As part of the Wai Connection team, Jae runs biodiversity-focused workshops and delivers hands-on freshwater education in schools across the region. Whether it’s water quality testing, native planting, pest trapping, or litter clean-ups, she helps students connect deeply with rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Jae also wears a second hat as a Sustainable Homes Assessor, supporting whānau to make their homes warmer, drier, healthier, and more energy efficient. Passionate about community and the environment, she’s proud to help guide Hawke’s Bay toward a more sustainable future.
Michael is the GIS Analyst at Sustainable Hawke’s Bay, supporting the biodiversity team with mapping, data analysis, and spatial insights that help guide restoration and conservation efforts across the region. His work plays a key role in visualising environmental change, tracking progress, and supporting strategic decision-making for catchment and biodiversity projects.
With a background in geospatial science and a keen eye for detail, Michael is passionate about using data to tell stories about the land and waterways of Hawke’s Bay. Whether it’s mapping predator control networks or modelling restoration opportunities, his work helps ensure that local action is backed by solid information and clear direction.
michael@sustainablehb.org.nz
Helen keeps the wheels turning at Sustainable Hawke’s Bay in her role as Operations Administrator, providing vital support across the organisation and helping the team stay on track and organised. With a calm, capable presence and a sharp eye for detail, she ensures the day-to-day runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Beyond the office, Helen plays a hands-on role in managing the Kai Ika Project’s Hawke’s Bay distribution, regularly travelling as far as Mahia and Wairoa to deliver rescued kaimoana to whānau and communities. Her commitment to reducing food waste and ensuring good kai reaches those who need it most is a key part of Sustainable HB’s growing impact across the region.
John is Sustainable HB’s Research Manager, bringing with him a strong academic background and decades of experience in applied research. His first project with the team was leading Sustainable HB’s contribution to a joint study with the University of Auckland on the health and wellbeing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Since then, John has continued to spearhead collaborative research efforts, including a partnership with Manaaki Whenua investigating the motivations and barriers landowners face when restoring wetlands and native forest. He is passionate about research that informs real-world outcomes and is actively growing Sustainable HB’s network of research partners to support impactful, community-driven work.
john@sustainablehb.org.nz