The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is a not-for-profit conservation organisation (charities number CC22822) highly respected by the Minister of Conservation for its work in the preservation of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. In 2016 the Trust was formally recognised as a Key Programme Partner both to the Department of Conservation and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu for its conservation work with hoiho.
Lady Beverley Reeves (1988 - 2006)
Anton Oliver (2006 – 2017)
Richard Roberts (2017 - Current)
Kieran Read (2011 - 2017)
Anna Campbell (since September 2024)
General Manager (1.0 FTE)
BCom International Business, BA Art History, MCom in Entrepreneurship (Otago).
Leads the hoiho recovery programme, ensuring strategic priorities are met as part of Te Kaweka Takohaka mō te Hoiho 2019-2029. Represents the trust on the Hoiho Governance Board ensuring collaboration with key partners.
including
anna@yeptrust.org.nz
Louise Ashton (since June 2015)
Nursery Supervisor (0.5 FTE)
BSc Zoology (Victoria).
Grew up in Hawke's Bay, studied Radiography at Waikato Hospital, worked as a radiographer in Hawkes Bay and Dunedin. Took 23 years to get a job in zoology/biology field, but is excited to now be here!
nursery@yeptrust.org.nz
Cat Barnett (since September 2021)
Lead Ranger (1.0 FTE)
BSc(Hons) in Zoology and MSc in Marine Environmental Management.
Prior experience in Europe and NZ on sea turtle, cetacean and sea lion conservation projects. Previous roles include Marine Mammal Necropsy Technician for Massey University, Marine Conservation Officer for Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari and Volunteer Facilitator for DOC and Dunedin City Council.
ranger_hoiho@yeptrust.org.nz
Imogen Macalister (since June 2024)
Administrator (0.7 FTE)
BSc Marine Science (Otago).
Prior experience as a Laboratory Technician for NIWA, and Administrative Vice-President for the OUSA. Currently covering the Office Administrator role whilst Caitlin goes on parental leave for 12 months. Loves supporting the rewarding work the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust team do!
admin@yeptrust.org.nz
McKenzie Inch (since October 2023)
Ranger (1.0 FTE)
Studied Equine as a sport-horse assistant, and began a role with Riding for the Disabled.
Seeking new challenges, McKenzie ventured into a role involving wildlife. Working with animals has always been a passion, nurturing a diverse range for the creatures found throughout her life. McKenzie finds immense satisfaction in supporting our conservation mission and assisting colleagues with our rewarding work.
ranger2@yeptrust.org.nz
Emma Simpson-Boyce (since November 2023)
Rakiura Rehabilitation Coordinator (0.5 FTE)
A trained vet nurse with previous hoiho handling experience, Emma is running the rehabilitation facility at Mamaku Point, Rakiura this year.
Claudia Palmer (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri) (since September 2024)
Funding Coordinator (0.4 FTE)
Has a background in environmental campaigning, publishing and marketing. She is passionate about connecting people with the things that they care about whether that be a great book, an inspiring event or the treasured hoiho. At the trust, Claudia communicates our work to funders, so that our frontline field staff have the resources and time to carry out their vital conservation work.
funding@yeptrust.org.nz
Gus Griffin (since 2022)
Trust Chair
LLB and BSci (Zoology). Gus started volunteering with hoiho aged 15 on the Otago Peninsula. He now works in resource management law. Emerging Leader Trustee 2022. Trust Chair since 2023.
Eric Shelton (since 2003)
PhD, Dip. Sci., Dip. Tour. Appointed Chair 2014. Former wildlife and heritage guide. Convinced that tourism can make a major contribution to achieving conservation goals.
Euan Kennedy (since 1987)
BA (Hons), M. Appl Sc. (Hons), PhD. Founding Trustee. Now based in Christchurch where he co-ordinates the Department of Conservation’s island biosecurity work nationwide. Has four decades of experience with endangered species recovery in all major vertebrate taxa, marine and terrestrial. Research experience in foreign languages, sociology and conservation biology. Euan’s doctoral research defined extinction risk in today’s two small, highly inbred populations of Chatham Island black robin.
Lala Frazer (since 1987)
BA (Otago), QSM, MNZM. Founding Trustee. A qualified teacher, retired from position as Teaching Facilities Manager at the University of Otago. Active in a number of conservation and ecological organisations.
Margaret Murrell (since 1994)
BSC (Botany). Retired secondary school teacher. Actively involved in practical conservation for many years.
Tim Mepham (since 2013)
Trust treasurer
BCom Accounting, Chartered Accountant with broad experience in export markets, manufacturing process control, HR management, Information systems implementation, corporate strategy, growth through acquisitions, change management and governance. Director of City Forests Ltd and Deputy Chairman of Presbyterian Support Otago.
Murray Brass (since 2014)
BSc (Geol), Dip for Grad (Environmental), has worked in RMA for 20 years, dealing with both natural resources and the built environment. He has also worked in Economic Development, and been involved in a wide range of community organisations.
Hoani Langsbury (since 2012)
BSc (Zoology & Ecology) PgDipSci Geography. Active kaitiaki / Tangata Tiaki for Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha, Rapuwai, Kati Hawea. Employed as the Manager of Operations Taiaroa Head. Responsible for the day to day management of the Royal Albatross Centre and Blue Penguins Pukekura. Environmental Consultant, RMA Commissioner, Trustee of the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group. Past member of various species recovery groups, and the former chairman of the Otago Conservation Board. Actively involved in the Otago ecological community, taking a holistic approach to environmental management.
Vicki Crosbie (since 2022)
BPRTM (Parks Recreation and Tourism Management), worked in Conservation for 24 years, within recreation, biodiversity and tourism streams, including two seasons with the Department of Conservation Takahe Recovery programme. Moved to Dunedin in 2015 after 18 years living and working in Fiordland. Enjoys exploring places that make Coastal Otago special to people and our endemic wildlife. Keen to support hoiho to thrive and be part of their amazing story of recovery.
Jenna Sinclair (since 2022)
BSci (Botany). Jenna has always had an interest in Conservation from a young age, after studying in Dunedin she moved on to be Consents Planner at the Regional Council, Jenna has called Otepoti-Dunedin home for the last 5 years. Emerging Leader Trustee 2022.
Eiren Sweetman (since 2023)
BA (History), BSc Hons (Biochemistry), PhD (Biochemistry) at the University of Otago. Molecular biologist and conservation scientist. Has called Dunedin home since 2008, and has recently returned after a brief time working on kauri dieback in Wellington between 2020-2023. Has volunteered regularly since 2012 with hoiho, sea lions, kākāpō feedout volunteering, native habitat restoration and hihi nest monitoring at Zealandia. Main areas of scientific interest are in better understanding and treating disease and environmental/ conservation issues.
Daniel Whitburn (since 2023)
Emerging Leader Trustee
Kai Tahu. LLB (Otago). Currently employed as Kaiwhakamarama for Te Hou Ora Whānau Services. Has enjoyed living in Ōtepoti for 6 years. Dan has a strong passion for the Not-For-Profit sector and animal welfare through his volunteering as a fosterer for Dog Rescue Dunedin.