Our Team

Meet the friendly faces who are passionate about protecting and nurturing our local environment. 

Bobbianne Hughes

HALO Education Lead

Bobbianne brings a wealth of mātauranga accumulated over years of voluntary work in kaitiakitanga of forest, ecological biodiversity, health and safety, and mauri enhancement across the Bay of Plenty. She is a mother and educator who is passionate and committed to inspiring and connecting the next generation with te taiao.


Email: haloeduc@gmail.com

Bridget Palmer

HALO Community Igniter (Project Manager)

Bridget completed a Bachelor of Applied Management: Sustainable Practice Major in 2020.  She has over 25 years of species management experience, gained while working for the Department of Conservation and Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research. Bridget enjoys sharing her knowledge with tamariki, rangatahi and the wider community.

Email: bridget@halowhakatane.org.nz

Louise Shaw

HALO & Eastbay REAP Enriched Local Curriculum Facilitator

Louise holds a Diploma of Education and is completing a Master's in Education focused on science and environmental education. 

She works alongside teachers to scaffold knowledge and practices, connecting curriculum with local contexts to foster student curiosity, agency, and environmental stewardship.
Email: louisehalowhk@gmail.com

Meyer Cook

HALO Community Igniter

Meyer holds Bachelor’s Degree in Business (Marketing major), and contributes to HALO’s online presence by showcasing the work we do in our local community.

She combines her passion for manaaki whenua with digital expertise and knowledge of Te Ao Māori.

Email: meyerhalowhk@gmail.com

Helen Harvey

HALO Volunteer Coordinator

Helen holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning and has a strong
passion for conservation and the environment. She supports connections between people and te taiao.

As a Volunteer Coordinator, Helen supports HALO’s volunteers, ensuring they feel valued, empowered, and connected.

Email: halovolunteering@gmail.com

 
 

Our Committee

Meet the people who help guide HALO Whakatāne and support our kaupapa.

  • Has 30+ years of computing experience in a wide variety of industries and countries and is now co-owner of a local healthcare business. Martin is a volunteer contributor to multiple community organisations, typically with an educational flavour (e.g. school boards).

  • Has over 25 years of species management experience. Successfully pioneered the Kiwi Tracker education resource and is currently the Lead Community Igniter for HALO Whakatāne. Bridget has extensive transformational leadership training and experience. Wide-reaching and well-established network of contacts in the project area, within the community, iwi, forest and farm managers and schools. Also, contracts for projects restoring kiwi populations

  • Over 31 years of project management experience as a Chartered Accountant and Co-Director of FARMit Rural Accounting Specialists. Kerry has been involved with numerous not-for-profit organisations in accounting and non-accounting roles during this time. Also an active volunteer with HALO and Whakatāne Bird Rescue Trust. Kerry’s son, Sam, is one of our former HALO Kadets who helps lead Kadet events and contracts to HALO when he returns from university during the Holidays.

  • Moved to Eastern BOP with his young family in 1999 to become the Whakatāne Beacon’s first new editor in 25 years. He has worked in communications, outreach and advocacy for DOC since 2006 and now has a clear understanding of why the community does what the Government then follows. Steve is a great mentor for fostering community-led development (CLD) and the changes that will deliver it.

  • Local resident of Wainui, Karl has spent the majority of his career in the primary industry. Karl developed a passion for culture and the sensitive natural environments while working in Asia, North America, France and Brazil before returning home. He returned to the Eastern Bay to make the most of the amazing outdoors that the region has to offer. Previously President of the EBOP Chamber of Commerce and CEO of both New Zealand Manuka Group and Miraka, the Taupo based, low-carbon dairy company, Karl was also the program manager for the Provincial Growth Fund in the Eastern BOP and was a Director on Ngāti Awa Group Holdings. Karl is now leading a global team, sharing the natural benefits of manuka as the CEO of Comvita. Having a lifestyle block with 4ha of native bush has renewed his passion for biodiversity and improving the natural environment, and he has seen firsthand the impact that Halo makes in our community.

  • Many years of experience working in the early childhood education and development field. Extensive organisation and management experience.

  • Corey is a part of the Whakatāne High School Enviro Club, Whakatāne Rotary Interact Club, Youth Council, and has been a HALO Kaitiaki Kadet for the past 4 years.

    His passion for te taiao, his leadership and dedication to giving back to the community make him a perfect fit.