Tō mātou rōpū

Waihōpai/Invercargill

Kaiwhakahaere | Founder & Principal 

Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha

jane@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

Jane has built her career at the intersection of environmental science and mātauranga Māori, developing the depth of knowledge, relationships, and practical approaches needed to do this work with integrity.

She is widely recognised for her expertise in freshwater ecology and taonga species research, and has led significant kaupapa-driven environmental programmes across Aotearoa — from mātauranga Māori monitoring frameworks and taonga species recovery to mahinga kai wānanga and collaborative research alongside rūnanga and partners.

Jane founded Tohu Environmental to create a home for this way of working — one that reflects the kaupapa, relationships, and knowledge that underpin it. Today, that vision continues to shape the organisation: bringing together mātauranga Māori, science, and lived experience to deliver meaningful, practical outcomes for people and te taiao.

Ōtautahi/Christchurch

Kaiwhakatere Matua Taiao | Senior Environmental Navigator

Ngāti Maniapoto

ben@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

Ben brings over a decade of experience working across the environmental and conservation sectors. He plays a key role in guiding project delivery at Tohu, bringing a hands-on approach and strong technical expertise to support partners and clients. His work has a particular focus on taonga species conservation and recovery, delivering outcomes that move from strategy into action.

Ben’s career is built on extensive experience working alongside iwi, communities, and the public sector, giving him a deep understanding of how to navigate complex systems and achieve meaningful results. At the Department of Conservation, he led iwi and community engagement for the Paparoa Track Great Walk and supported conservation initiatives across Te Tai Poutini. He later worked with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, providing strategic advice on taonga species and conservation.

At the heart of Ben’s mahi is a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of Māori environmental leaders and creating pathways that recognise Māori expertise in te taiao. Aligned with the kaupapa of Tohu Environmental, he brings an energetic, practical, and solutions-focused approach — delivering outcomes that benefit both people and the environment.

Kāpiti Coast

Kairangahau Taiao Matua | Senior Environmental Researcher 

Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha 

rata@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

At Tohu, Rata uses her research skills to support mana whenua in achieving their aspirations for te taiao. She enjoys working at the confluence of mātauranga Māori and science, bring people and information together, creating space for kōrero, and helping connect a range of information.

With a Master’s in Marine Biology and postgraduate study in Antarctica, Rata draws on her scientific background while working alongside the deep knowledge and lived experience held by whānau. Her work spans awa, estuaries, and taonga species, with a strong focus on ensuring cultural values are respected, recognised and upheld in environmental mahi.

In previous mahi, Rata worked for her iwi advocating for the protection and enhancement of Ngāi Tahu rights and interests across environmental kaupapa. This included supporting the inclusion of mātauranga Māori into taonga species management, contributing to iwi climate change strategy, and connecting and supporting whānau working within te taiao. These experiences continue to shape her approach, combining research, strategic thinking, and a commitment to people and place.

Waihōpai/Invercargill

Pou Mātanga Taiao – Ika me te Whenua | Senior Fisheries & Terrestrial Ecology

Tangata Te Tiriti 

zane@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

Zane brings extensive experience in freshwater and wetland environments, with a strong background in fisheries management, habitat restoration, and environmental leadership across Southland. As former Manager of the Southland Fish and Game Council, he played a key role in the stewardship of freshwater resources, combining ecological science with practical, on-the-ground delivery.

He has particular expertise in wetland systems and has led restoration and creation projects, including the development of wetlands for Te Wai Parera Trust’s Pikiraurahi Mahinga Kai Pā. His work reflects a strong commitment to enabling kaitiakitanga — restoring ecological function, supporting indigenous species, and enhancing mahinga kai values.

Zane brings a thoughtful and grounded approach to his mahi. Aligned with the kaupapa of Tohu Environmental, he works collaboratively and practically to support outcomes that honour both people and te taiao.

 Ōtepoti/Dunedin

Pou Mātanga Taiao | Senior Environmental Specialist

Tangata Te Tiriti

ian@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

Ian brings extensive experience in environmental management, with a strong background in freshwater management, fisheries, wetland restoration, environmental planning, policy development, biodiversity conservation, and stakeholder engagement. His work spans both practical delivery and strategic advisory, supporting projects across a range of environmental contexts.

With more than 35 years of experience in the conservation and natural resource management sectors, he has contributed to regional planning processes, environmental assessments, freshwater and fisheries monitoring programmes, habitat restoration projects, and biodiversity initiatives throughout New Zealand. His approach combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of the people, places, and systems involved.

As tangata Te Tiriti, Ian brings a collaborative and considered approach to his mahi. Aligned with the kaupapa of Tohu Environmental, he supports work that enables kaitiakitanga and delivers outcomes that benefit both people and te taiao.

Waihōpai/Invercargill

Pou Auaha Rautaki Taiao  | Innovation & Strategy Lead

Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Kahungunu

corey@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

Based in Waihōpai, Corey brings over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of Māori development, environmental management, and community-led initiatives. His mahi focuses on designing and advancing kaupapa Māori approaches that strengthen whānau, hapū, and community wellbeing.

Corey works across research, strategy, and project development, creating frameworks, tools, and pathways that support mana whenua aspirations for te taiao. He has extensive experience working alongside iwi and hapū across Te Waipounamu, including leadership roles with Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. His work spans kaupapa such as kāinga, mahinga kai, education, and cultural tourism, with a strong focus on connecting ideas and opportunity to achieve practical, long-term impact.

Before working within iwi organisations, Corey spent over a decade at the University of Otago in research and teaching roles, supporting Māori students and contributing to Indigenous innovation and sustainability kaupapa. At Tohu, he contributes to the strategic direction and growth of the organisation, helping to shape new approaches that uphold kaitiakitanga and enable communities to lead their own environmental and development outcomes.

Rotorua

Pou Whakahere Ratonga Pakihi | Business Service Manager

Tangata Te Tiriti

carmel@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

With a background in accounting and many years supporting not-for-profit organisations, Carmel keeps the wheels turning at Tohu Environmental.

From managing client relationships and incoming enquiries to coordinating staff hui, project finances, and day-to-day operations, she is often the first point of contact and the glue that holds the team together.

Based in Rotorua, Carmel brings organisation, reliability, and a people-first approach to everything she does. This ensures projects run smoothly and that both clients and staff feel supported every step of the way.