Meet the team

Irene

Kia ora

The best words to describe me are “all rounder”.

I first started at the museum in 2003 during a course for work experience, and then progressed to weekend work and on to a full time position.

I provide administration, Living Treasures and visitor services support.

Some of my favourite work is with the animals we have here e.g. the kiwi, insects and geckos.  I enjoy talking to our visitors both locals and international.

When you join as a Friend of Kiwi North, I’ll be the person who makes sure that we keep in touch with you and tell you all the news about what’s happening here at Kiwi North.

Suzanne

Kia Ora. I’m Suzanne, the Educator at Kiwi North. I joined the team at Kiwi North as the Educator at the beginning of 2022.

Kiwi North currently has a contract with MOE to deliver ELC (Enriching Local Curriculum) programmes to kindergartens, primary and secondary schools – which replaced our longstanding contract to deliver LEOTC.

The Education Programmes we offer encompass a range of topics within the areas of environmental sciences, past technologies, and our history. The bespoke programmes are created on request and can be presented from our base here at Kiwi North, at schools, or other external sites around Northland that we work in partnership with.

Having taught in the classroom in New Zealand and England for many years, it’s exciting to be able to offer children immersive and inspiring learning experiences outside of the classroom environment here at Kiwi North.

I have lived in Whangarei with my family since I emigrated to New Zealand, from England, about 20 years ago. We continue to enjoy exploring this gorgeous country and are proud to now call it ‘home’.

Hei te wā tītoki

Sarah

MConBio, BSc

Kia Ora! I am Sarah, Team Lead for Animal Care or the living treasures of Kiwi North. I have been working with New Zealand species in captivity and the wild for over 10 years. I previously specialised in reptiles, invertebrates, fish and amphibians but I am enjoying the new challenge of working with Kiwi as well.

I have a passion for providing the best care and habitats for all our animals as well providing an interesting and captivating experience for visitors.

I would like every person to feel that they can make a difference for the environment and our unique species.

Laurel 

Kia ora I'm Laurel. I have the privilege of leading the team at Kiwi North, working with the Heritage Clubs, and overseeing all that makes Kiwi North such a unique and special place for the community and visitors. I moved to Whangarei four years ago and come with a strong skill set of Not for Profit leadership and management honed in multiple sectors, including community arts, social services, education, community development, council partnerships and facilities management. With a new Strategic Plan and big hairy audacious goals I am looking forward to helping Kiwi North reach its full potential to inspire curiosity about our evolving world and become a valued treasure for generations to come

Hi I’m Ben, I have been involved in conservation for a good 10 years. I’ve previously worked in Pukenui forest in Whangarei as a ranger. Conservation is an integral part of who I am and inspiring others to get involved is my goal. I am absolutely crazy about arachnids (spiders) and fungi.

My name is Arwen, I am pictured here with Pounamu, a Northland Green Gecko. Her species are at risk and face ever growing threats in the wild. You will find Pounamu and I here at Kiwi North reception. Come in and meet her, along with our other native geckos and insects. See how beautiful they are, whilst learning about their uniqueness and ways you can help save them.

Hi, my name is Anette. I recently joined the Living Treasures team at Kiwi North. I was born in Norway, and came to New Zealand in 1999. I am a student at North Tec where I study Environmental Management. I am passionate about conservation and education. In my spare time I volunteer doing pest control in Parihaka, Bream Head and Limestone Island. My interests include cooking and reading books.

Kia Ora, I am Denise, I am a Visitor Experience Officer and the Retail Purchase Officer at Kiwi North, Museum and Heritage Park.

I was born in Auckland but brought up on a farm in the Whangārei district. I love nature walks and animals. My position has allowed me to learn more about our native kiwi, gecko and all the fauna and flora of New Zealand.

Kala

Hi there, I'm Kala. I am a university student currently up for my holidays, having the best time at the kiwi museum seeing all of the amazing animals. I love being so close to nature and thoroughly enjoy all the interactions with families and kids that this job offers me. One of my favourite parts of the job is trying to spot all of our geckos that try and blend in.

Gabriel

Kia ora, I am of Ngāpuhi and Swiss ancestry and love meeting and experiencing all cultures.

My background has been in mental healthcare, engineering, gardening, film and television.

I feel blessed to be part of the team here at Kiwi North.