Meet the Trust

Project Kiwi Trust is directed by eight trustees and two patrons.
Collaboratively the trustees have a suitably qualified, dynamic skill set that ensures the project is conducted professionally and based on current best practice.

		Fraser Lampen - Chairman Project Manager I am part of Project Kiwi Trust because I care about the future of our national bird. In particular, I am committed to supporting its success on the Kuaotunu Peninsula ensuring that it will be there for generations to come.


		Dr. John McLennan Ecologist Project Kiwi has a compelling cause. That was reason enough for me to get involved.


		Andrew Wilson Viticulturist I have been involved with this project since its inception and am as excited about the concept now as I was then. Just imagine a coastal forest ecosystem as it was before predators, browsers and exotic plants.


		Warwick Wilson Farmer and Core-area Landowner I offered my land from day one because I believe Kiwi are a tremendously emotive symbol that can help us raise the funds needed to restore their habitat and the ecosystem to its original pristine state. The kiwi population at Waitaia seems to appreciate the Waitaian mix of pasture, bush, beach and exotic plantings.


		Nick Gillingham Architectural Draughtsman Apart from being the best place on earth, with the best people on earth, the Kuaotunu Peninsula has been logged, gummed, mined, farmed exotic forested, and it still holds some of the highest densities of kiwi in the country. The kiwi are trying hard to do their part by putting all of their energy into breeding, so how can we not contribute by trying to save their chicks?


		James Wilson Project Manager I have a strong bond with Waitaia - the core of the Project Kiwi Trust operational lands - and look forward to the day when the land, once again, supports sustainable native flora and fauna.


		Helen Bourne Business Consultant My father always taught me that I should give back more than I receive from my community. As a founding trustee, I have been involved with the project for most of the last decade and take pride in its success. I am focused on working with my fellow trustees to achieve long-term sustainability of the project. I enjoy working with such a diverse group of people who are all passionate about kiwi and our local environment and I take pride in seeing the project continue to set and achieve goals. As a long-term resident, I am also conscious of the economic benefit the kiwi can provide to tourism in our area. Working for the project is very rewarding and I feel privileged to be contributing to such an important cause.



		Michelle Gimblett Media relations consultant & writer It was the uniquely community based approach of Project Kiwi that first inspired me to get involved. A group of passionate hard working everyday New Zealanders are making a real difference to the survival of our precious kiwi – right now and for many years to come. What’s more, Project Kiwi is inspiring similar conservation efforts around New Zealand and the world. From the beautiful surrounds of the Kuaotunu Peninsula, to the worthwhile end cause, to the infectious enthusiasm and spirit behind the Trust - it makes me feel very proud to be a Kiwi.


		Dave Slaven Ecologist I've been enjoying summers at Waitaia for more than two decades, and have witnessed first hand how the Project Kiwi Team have turned things around for the local kiwi. I feel both proud and very honoured to be part of this nationally significant kiwi management operation, and am optimistic about the future for kiwi on the Coromandel now thanks in no small part to the work of the trust.


		Roger Lampen Mentor and Businessman Being involved with the Project Kiwi Trust and its passionately committed team is an incredibly rewarding and stimulating experience. Not only are we doing our best to protect and grow the resident kiwi population but we are also working to sustain and regenerate the local ecosystem.