Who are we?

He Mahuri Totara is a collaborative initiative at the intersection of conservation, community engagement, and creation care.

A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand, is well known for its conservation projects - especially the Karioi Project. A Rocha bring their expertise and passion for protecting biodiversity to He Māhuri Tōtara. Through their hands-on conservation projects and commitment to sustainable practices, they ensure that the natural habitats thrive and flourish.

Complementing A Rocha's community conservation initiatives, Eco Church Aotearoa is an extension of A Rocha's mission - bringing a focus on the Church, and the Biblical imperative for churches to practice creation care and environmental stewardship.

A Rocha bring both eco-theology and sustainable living practices to He Māhuri Tōtara, which foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life.

He Māhuri Tōtara invites people to experience collaborative conservation efforts, spiritual and theological reflection, and community engagement. This encourages people to understand the profound impact that collective action can have in creating a more sustainable and harmonious world.

He Māhuri Tōtara is co-facilitated by an incredible team.

  • Kristel is the National Director of A Rocha and the Karioi Project Manager – prior to this Kristel was a Marine & Freshwater Ecologist at NIWA (NZ) and in American Samoa and Kenya. Kristel has 15 years of practical biology and community based conservation experience. Kristel has taught field biology in New Zealand and overseas and enjoys applying these skills in a community based setting.

  • Nō ngā hau e whā ōku tūpuna, engari, i tupu ake au i raro i te korowai o Kā Kohatu Whakarekareka o Tamatea Pokai Whenua. E noho ana au kei reira.

    These days he is the associate Pastor at The River Ōpāwaho Church. He supports the flourishing of the gospel in Aotearoa through his work with the Wilberforce Foundation. He is also the A Rocha Eco Church Co-Ordinator in Ōtautahi. You may have caught him on radio, TV or even read one of his many articles or his (very funny) children’s book, Eliza Loves Rocks.

    Anyone who’s heard James speak will remember him for his unique sense of humour, that he credits his rural upbringing for. It has been a key to helping him connect with people from all walks of life. James is passionate about discipleship and making the Bible make sense to people from all walks of life. When he isn’t working, James is hanging out with his Wife, Rebekah, and their kids, Eliza, Tilly and Freddie.

  • Mo works for A Rocha as the Eco Church coordinator for the lower North Island. Mo is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. She lives in Whanganui with her husband Kirk and their three teenage children. Prior to working for A Rocha she has been a parish minister, National Youth Coordinator, piano teacher, and local church youth worker. Mo has a lot of experience speaking and facilitating groups. She is passionate about encouraging churches and groups to engage with Creation Care as an intrinsic part of what it means to follow Jesus and be the church. She is a strong advocate for youth and children’s ministry and is particularly passionate about encouraging all-age Creation Care initiatives.

  • Katie is a Christchurch-based Co-Faciliator for He Mahuri Totara. She’s recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science, focussed on Conservation and Ecology, and spent 3 months over the summer working for the Department of Conservation in their Freshwater Species team. Growing up in church and being involved in leading youth group, whilst also pursuing science as a career, Katie is passionate about marrying the two together to encourage generations to understand God’s heart and intentions for our environment.