Our dedicated staff

Ru Collin is our Chief Executive. Ru was a Trustee of the Sanctuary for two years before stepping down to take on the CE role in mid-2019.

Click here for a short video of Ru discussing his work at the Sanctuary.

Nick Robson is our Operations Manager, coordinating the efforts of Sanctuary volunteers and staff to maintain and develop the Sanctuary’s assets for everyone to enjoy.

Click here for a short video of Nick discussing his work at the Sanctuary.

Robert Schadewinkel is our Ecologist and takes care of protecting the Sanctuary against pest and predator threats. Robert is the primary response person when we have fence breaches and pest incursions to deal with, and is also our technical resource with species introduction plans.

Click here for a short video of Robert discussing his work at the Sanctuary.

Murray Neill is our Field Operations Coordinator, responsible for fence security, training and coordinating specific projects as they arise. Involved in all aspects of the sanctuary operation, Murray is experienced in most aspects of conservation field work, and leads our Weeding Project funded by the DOC Jobs for Nature programme.

Click here for a short video of Murray discussing his work at the Sanctuary.

Nick Tilly is our Office Manager: accounts, business systems, payroll, the website and much of our social media activities, and anything else that needs doing come under his rather large hat!

Click here for a short video of Nick discussing his work at the Sanctuary.

Rick Field is our tours’ host, enhancing understanding of the Sanctuary’s aims and wider conservation issues via education talks with schools and other groups interested in improving our environment. (Part time)

Click here for a short video of Rick discussing his work at the Sanctuary.

Steffi is our Biosecurity Ranger. She is originally from Germany, where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning. She is fascinated with the flora and fauna in New Zealand and she is very excited to become a part of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.

Click here for a short video of Steffi discussing her work at the Sanctuary.

Chelsea joined our Noxious Weeds Project team in October 2021 as it fits with her interest in native plant conservation. Chelsea has worked in the horticulture sector for the previous six years, primarily in nursery work.

Click here for a short video of Chelsea discussing her work at the Sanctuary.

Jazz joined the Sanctuary as (part time) Visitor Centre and Volunteer Coordinator in late November 2022. Jazz’s background includes experience at DOC customer relationships for 9 years, was involved with a Conservation board and was the Hospitality Manager for The Boathouse for four years. Jazz also has some history with the Sanctuary stretching back 15-25 years. She was impressed with our efforts and wants to contribute toward ecosystem restoration and with effectively engaging the community. 

Click here for a short video of Jazz discussing her work at the Sanctuary.

Henry joined the Noxious Weeds Project (funded by the Jobs for Nature programme through DOC) in July 2023. He says, “I have always loved New Zealand flora and fauna, so much that I decided to study ecology and biodiversity at Victoria University. I have a fascination with native plants and enjoy seeing these plants thriving within the protection of the Sanctuary.”

Tess Cimino is our Events and Marketing Coordinator with a strong background in nonprofit development and communications. Originally from California, she graduated from Marist College in 2019, where she majored in Fashion Merchandising and minored in Journalism and Global Studies. Tess was notably one of only two students from Marist College to receive the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which recognized her for her international teaching experience, and commitment to sustainability education. Her passion for protecting native biodiversity is evident in her efforts to raise awareness and support environmental initiatives like the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.