I have a MA in Cultural and Social Anthropology from the University of Zurich/Switzerland, with my MA thesis and field research conducted in collaboration with the University of Otago.
My MA topic was in Environmental Anthropology – focusing on taiapure and customary resource management (fisheries). I worked closely with and for Kati Huirapa Runanga in Karitane during this research project.
I have since worked in various roles, both for government (Ministry for the Environment) and the community and not-for-profit sector in the last 20 years – nationally and locally. I have also worked as a mediator/facilitator (LEADR/Resolution Institute trained and accredited). Most recently I have been working as a self-employed Project Manager. I have just conducted and completed an evaluation about a Community Mentoring Project for community organisations in Marlborough. I live in and work from Marlborough and am interested in supporting local and national projects – particularly in the field of inclusion and diversity (both from sociocultural and biological perspectives) and in any project contributing to positive, social, cultural and environmental outcomes.
I am currently engaged in doctoral research with the Centre for Science in Society at Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington, studying sciene and community interactions in the context of podocarp forest conservation and regeneration in Wairau/Te Tau Ihu.