Our People

Sandra’s expertise combines quantitative and qualitative tools for identifying drivers for communities and individuals in restoring land, coastal and marine environments. Sandra completed a PhD in Environmental Studies at Victoria University, Wellington, exploring the relationship between land-cover choices and governance structures relating to Māori legal entities. Sandra is fluent in Spanish and English.

Sylvia is an environmental and sustainable development practitioner with international experience working on environmental impact assessments, risk assessments, environmental feasibility studies, management implementation and monitoring plans. With an academic background in marine biology, environmental management and technologies, global environmental politics and climate change, Sylvia has worked for the private and public sectors and led research for the academic sector. Sylvia is currently completing her PhD in climate change adaptation success factors in developing countries' coastal areas funded through multilateral financial mechanisms. Sylvia is fluent in Portuguese and English.

Johnny has a technical background in environmental science, with over 19 years’ experience of successful project delivery in private and public sector environments. Starting his career with NIWA in aquaculture research and development, Johnny spent seven years in the Middle East as an environmental consultant before returning to New Zealand and working in delivery management roles for Government agencies. Johnny holds a Master of Science in Marine Biology and a Bachelor of Science, in Marine Biology and Ecology & Biodiversity from Victoria University.

Lilly's expertise combines marine and social sciences for a transdisciplinary approach to ocean management. She completed a 'Sea and Society' Master of Marine Science at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, supported by a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in politics and marine ecology from Auckland University. Lilly’s thesis focused on small-scale Swedish fishermen's perspectives and their representation in science and policy. Upon returning from Sweden, Lilly worked with The Lever Room and the Waiheke Marine Project as a researcher focusing on the marine environment in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ross is a sustainable landuse practitioner with over 20 years' experience within regional councils, dairy sector, and research institutions in New Zealand. He has worked in various project management roles considering the impact of agriculture on climate, land and water. Most recently Ross has led projects such as the Waikato Freshwater Policy Review interacting with Council and iwi co-governors, and led on-farm footprint assessments within the dairy industry. Ross holds a Master of Social Science in Geography and is leading EnviroStrat work in design and implementation of landscape scale solutions.

Tahlia is no stranger to EnviroStrat, having worked with us as a Sustainability and Business Intern for two years while she completed her BSc/BCom conjoint degree, majoring in Environmental Science, Geography, International Business and Marketing. Tahlia has contributed to a multitude of different projects, with a particular focus on developing sustainability strategies, and the blue economy. Tahlia has a passion for sustainability in all industries.

Liam has a BCom majoring in International Business and Economics, a BA with a major in Global Studies, and a Master of International Business. His master’s research focused on sustainable transitions and development with a lens on New Zealand’s seaweed industry. He has a profound passion for the ocean and sustainability and is committed to advancing impact initiatives that make a difference.

Robbie is in his final year of a BBus, majoring in economics and chemistry. He will be starting a Master of Management Studies (in economics) at the University of Waikato in 2022. Robbie has an interest in combining science and business principles to address modern challenges. He enjoys learning about and exploring new concepts and industries, with a desire to work across multi-disciplinary teams. Previously, he has researched seaweed aquaculture, dairy farming efficiency, environmental economics and vaccine hesitancy. Outside of this, Robbie is a football referee and spends most of his weekends out on the football field.

Laura has a BBus majoring in Sustainable Enterprise and Design and a BSc majoring in Environmental Science and Geographic Information Science. Her previous research includes tourist trajectory analysis, Cyclone Gabrielle flood damage analysis, and semantic segmentation of sidewalks. She has a passion for utilising GIS and UX design principles in transdisciplinary problem-led research.

Sophie has a BCom with a double major in Economics and Innovation & Entrepreneurship from the University of Auckland. She has been heavily involved with creating a social enterprise Girls Mean Business that teaches young girls about how to create and run their own businesses, and has a passion for sustainability within a business context.