Our People

An accomplished conservation leader, Nicola brings extensive experience advocating for New Zealand’s wildlife and wild places across both the private and public sectors. 
 

Nicola served as Forest & Bird Conservation Advocate (2010–2012) before gaining leadership experience in agribusiness, the Predator Free New Zealand movement, and as DOC’s Threatened Species Ambassador. She has represented New Zealand internationally, focusing on biodiversity, and now returns to Forest & Bird from her senior role as DOC’s Operations Director for the Eastern South Island. Nicola brings strategic vision and cross-sector expertise to Forest & Bird. 

Erika is Forest & Bird’s General Counsel, with over 15 years at the organisation in various legal roles. She leads the legal team, holding decision-makers accountable for environmental protection through legal action and resource management expertise. Erika brings a long-standing commitment to environmental law. 

Erika’s team works closely with the Conservation Policy & Advocacy teams. The Legal team includes lawyers and planners based across Aotearoa. 

Richard joined Forest & Bird in 2022. He has held general management and leadership roles in New Zealand and the UK, across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Richard holds Master’s degrees from the Australian National University and the London School of Economics. 

Richard’s team works hard to advocate for, and help ensure, that policies and changes affecting New Zealand prioritise nature. 

Kelly is a results-oriented strategic thinker who specialises in turning strategy into action. With extensive experience across international festivals, creative arts, digital agencies, and central government, Kelly brings diverse sector expertise to environmental work. 

Kelly oversees our strategic planning and performance measurement, leads change initiatives, and helps Forest & Bird stay on track and make data-driven decisions. 

Ali has over 20 years’ experience leading conservation work, including landscape-scale terrestrial, freshwater, and marine programmes. Her leadership skills, combined with expertise in operational delivery, policy, and strategic development, support her teams and volunteers to form high-performing groups and create impactful, sustainable conservation projects. 

Ali leads our “boots-on-the-ground” programmes. The teams work to initiate, support, and deliver local and national conservation initiatives. 

Rebecca has spent around a decade at Forest & Bird sharing the wonders of New Zealand nature, inspiring connection and action, and working closely with our Forest & Bird communities. She is passionate about empowering people, engaging new and diverse audiences, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  

Rebecca’s team is focused on building people’s connection with nature and encouraging active participation. The team supports our members, branches, the Kiwi Conservation Club, and the Youth Network, and leads programmes like Bird of the Year. 

An experienced operational leader who ensures Forest & Bird runs effectively behind the scenes through his oversight of enabling services, bringing a long history in the Department of Conservation including several years as a district Operations Manager, to Forest & Bird. 

Enabling Services teams focus on communications, fundraising, health and safety, finance, human resources and business support.