Leane Makey
Leane lives in the Kaipara and describes herself as “grass-roots. Leane is a Hua Parakore (Tipuranga) grower and sheep farmer, with a PhD in environmental science and a science degree in marine biology. Her experience across implementing ecosystem and indigenous environmental management, research and practice brings a unique perspective to the challenges of living with soil and soil futures.
Richard Wallis
After a long career in law, Richard changed his focus to composting. He designed and patented the CarbonCycle composting system which is currently in use in nearly 80 schools around New Zealand as a teaching aide for ecosystem function and to provide compost in schools to enhance the soil biology and productivity of school kitchen gardens.
Charles Hyland
Charles is a soil scientist and biogeochemist who moved to NZ in 2013 after working at Cornell University in the USA as a scientist for over ten years. Organic agriculture has always been central to his work and worldview.
Rebecka Keeling
Rebecka shares her time between Slow Blooms flower farm in Matakana and a PR consultancy in Auckland. Rebecka is the co-founder of Permaculture Mahurangi, a freelance writer, and an advocate for produce grown locally, in its natural season, with care for the earth.
David McNeill
David is passionate about organic farming, healthy soil, clean waterways, and protecting native forests. He has experience developing a productive lifestyle block with avocados, orchards, regeneration plantings, vegetable gardens, and waterways, along with the many tasks of transforming land into a sustainable home. In addition to his rural interests, David runs an IT service business, which helps fund his land management. With a strong background in accounting and financial management, supported by his degree, he brings valuable skills in business software and financial strategy.