Our People

Neil has spent most of his career working on Polar conservation issues, which began with his PhD on Antarctic near-shore marine ecology, for which he spent two and half years living and working in Antarctica.

In the course of his career Neil has worked in a range of operational, policy and environmental roles all focussed on the Polar regions.

In 2003 Neil immigrated to New Zealand to take up the position of Environmental Manager with Antarctica New Zealand. Neil has represented both the UK and New Zealand at numerous international Arctic and Antarctic forums and chaired the Antarctic Treaty System’s Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) between 2006 and 2010.

In 2014 Neil established his own environmental consultancy and has worked on a range of Antarctic and broader environmental projects in that capacity.

Neil has Chaired the Jane Goodall Institute in New Zealand since 2015 and supported Dr. Jane’s last three tours to New Zealand. He remains passionate about ensuring her legacy is adequately recognised in New Zealand.

In his spare time Neil is an enthusiatic birder and photographer.

Mara has over 10 years of experience as a director and chair of boards and committees, both paid and voluntary assignments in the profit and for-purpose sectors. Understanding the interplay of community values, economic drivers, and regulatory frameworks is what she brings to her governance roles.

Conservation of our natural and cultural heritage is close to her heart, and she is particularly keen to bring the conservation & regenerative tourism nexus into the NZ chapter of the Roots & Shoots programme. Mara enjoys inspiring and engaging young leaders making a difference for people, animals and the environment, while broadening young people’s minds and confidence.

With a PhD in environmental sciences, a deep understanding of Te Ao Māori and tikanga through her work at DOC, and business acumen through her MBA, she brings a unique and international perspective to the board table. As a science broker, she supports and strengthens collaborations between relevant sectors through her enthusiasm, humour and integrity.

Natalie is passionate about connecting people, communities and nature to create positive change. She is driven by a belief that lasting impact comes from bringing people together around a shared purpose, and brings a collaborative leadership style, a strong commitment to conservation, and confidence in the ability of individuals and communities to shape a better future.

Natalie holds an MBA and qualifications in business and health sciences. Her governance and leadership experience spans local government, environmental education, community and not-for-profit organisations, where she has focused on helping people thrive and supporting meaningful, lasting change.

An advocate for environmental stewardship and community action, she is inspired by the Jane Goodall Institute’s vision of empowering young people to make a difference for people, animals and the planet.

Sarah Ayres brings extensive governance experience and a strong commitment to protecting our natural world and the animals we share it with. Sarah has held governance roles with organisations including Canterbury SPCA, Project Jonah (where she served as Chair and continues to volunteer as a Marine Medic), the Institute of Directors and the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.

Passionate about creating positive, lasting change, Sarah is particularly motivated by the responsibility we have to care for our environment and leave a healthy planet for future generations.

As a parent to a young child, this commitment is deeply personal. Sarah hopes to inspire the next generation to value and protect the natural environment, while doing everything she can to help create a future where they can thrive. Having had the opportunity to hear Dr Jane Goodall speak, Sarah was deeply inspired by her message of hope, action and the difference one person can make.

Renny is an experienced governance professional with extensive roles in not-for-profits, including Make A Wish and the SPCA. Currently a Trustee for House of Science and The Grief Centre, Renny has a strong background in growth and strategic development, both in commercial and NGO entities.

A late, accidental and wholly unexpected career switch to zookeeping has rewarded him with the knowledge that all that clever business stuff pales in comparison to the sheer joy and rare privilege of working alongside, and on behalf of some amazing wildlife.

The Jane Goodall Institute of New Zealand offers the opportunity to combine his experience, skill and passion.

Patricia Hubbard is a strategic leader and governance professional with deep expertise in organisational transformation, workforce analytics, and financial stewardship. With a career spanning higher education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate consulting, she brings a unique blend of analytical rigour, people‑centred leadership, and commitment to impactful change.

Patricia currently serves as Head of ANZ Consulting at Gallup, where she works with organisations to solve complex challenges through evidence‑based insights and human‑centred strategy. Her background includes senior roles in education management, extensive teaching and research experience at the University of Auckland, and executive financial leadership in the public sector.

A passionate advocate for life‑long learning and community wellbeing, Patricia contributes her skills in governance, organisational design, and strategic planning to support JGINZ’s mission of creating a world where people, animals, and the environment thrive together. She holds a PhD in Business Management from the University of Auckland, an MBA from the University of Montana, and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Andrea believes strongly in the importance of educating and inspiring the next generation to create a positive future. She is inspired by Dr Jane Goodall’s leadership style – leading with hope and the belief that every individual can make a difference.

Andrea is a qualified airline pilot and trainer. She also holds qualifications in speech and drama. After graduating with an MBA in 2024,  Andrea developed a strong interest in governance and sought the opportunity to contribute at a strategic level to organisations making meaningful impact. As secretary of the Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand, she is proud to contribute to an organisation whose vision and values closely align with her own.

As a mother of two, Andrea enjoys spending time exploring the New Zealand outdoors and feels privileged to play a part in supporting the next generation to develop their own connections with nature.

Rowena Fraioli is a dedicated Primate Zookeeper at Hamilton Zoo, driven by a lifelong passion for animal welfare and environmental conservation. Inspired from an early age by the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall, she has turned her childhood adoration into an impactful career caring for primates.

Rowena firmly believes that every individual can make a difference in saving our planet. Through her work, she aims to inspire the next generation to protect animals, support communities and preserve the natural world, fostering a collective effort toward global conservation.

Lucy Liu is the National Roots & Shoots Coordinator at the Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand, bringing around a decade of international experience with the Roots & Shoots programme.

She began her Roots & Shoots journey as a volunteer with the Jane Goodall Institute China, later joining the team as International Programme Coordinator and Director of Project Development, Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships. Her work focused on Roots & Shoots groups in international schools and community outreach, helping young people develop and lead projects that create positive change for animals, people and the environment.

Lucy had the privilege of supporting Dr. Jane Goodall on two visits to China, experiences that shaped her understanding of Dr. Jane’s vision and strengthened her commitment to the Roots & Shoots movement.

After returning home to New Zealand to raise her young family, Lucy joined JGINZ and had the privilege of supporting Dr. Jane during her final visit to Aotearoa in 2024. She is passionate about working with tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa, drawing on her international experience to create opportunities for connection, collaboration and learning with young people around the world.

Outside of work, Lucy enjoys walking and hiking with her family and being involved in her local community.