About Us
The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group is a community-led, non-profit organization that supports the conservation and preservation of NZ native ecosystems including our tussock grasslands and our wider landscapes within the Wānaka and Hāwea region. The group formed in late 2022 in response to the ever-increasing threat posed by wilding trees spreading in our region.
Wilding conifer control work can only be carried out and addressed through the collaboration of landowners, community groups, industry and researchers, along with local and central government.
Wilding conifers (commonly referred to as wilding pines) are recognised as a major threat by the Otago Regional Council under the Regional Pest Management Plan.
Our Supporters
We would not be able to carry out this crucial work without the support of WAI Wānaka, Otago Regional Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Wilding Pine Network, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Group, Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group and our trained contractors, volunteers and various other community members.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to make a donation please email us at info@uppercluthawildingtreegroup.co.nz
Our Committee
Rob Phillips
Chairperson
Rob has a long history working in sustainable land and water management and biodiversity. He has had previous leadership roles in a number of regional councils including most recently CE of Environment Southland. Rob is in the process of relocating to Wānaka.
Glynis Woodrow
Treasurer
Glynis is a semi-retired Accountant now living in Wānaka. She has always had an active interest in outdoor activities - tramping, skiing and biking, as well as an interest in growing native plants and environmental protection issues. She is enjoying having the time now to support our community with voluntary work.
Jenny Cleland
Secretary
Arne Cleland
Planning/strategy
Arne and Jenny’s nursery business grew native plants over many years for both farming and revegetation projects in Otago and Southland. Having retired to Wānaka, they share a passion for protecting the Upper Clutha landscape from wilding conifer threat.
Will McBeth
ORC Rep
Will joined ORC after five years of Wilding Conifer Control as the WCG/DOC Project Manager, part of a 23-year career in conservation . He holds a New Zealand Certificate in Tree Felling and Clearing (Non-Production) and a New Zealand Certificate in Conservation, bringing extensive expertise in helicopter logistics, field operations, GIS mapping, and contractor management.
Rowan Cox & Kathryn Longstaff
DOC Reps
Together, Rowan and Kathryn are responsible for overseeing DOC’s wilding conifer control in the Upper Clutha.
Nina Rongokea
QLDC Rep
Nina is the Wānaka Community and Volunteer Parks Officer for QLDC. With five + years of experience in wilding tree control in the Upper Clutha catchment her background includes field operations and operations management with WAI Wānaka under the Jobs for Nature program, followed by fund and contractor management for WAI Wānaka's On-Farm Environmental Support program. Prior to joining QLDC Nina contracted as an environmental advisor.
James Ford
James is a local helicopter operator who has extensive experience of aerial wilding conifer control as well as knowledge of wilding tree incursions in the Upper Clutha area.
Maureen Kernick
Website and Newsletter
Maureen is a retired engineer who has lived in the Upper Clutha area for 20 years. She is an enthusiastic supporter of local conservation projects and is committed to helping prevent the spread of wilding trees in the natural landscape.
Tom Allen
Coming from a background in industrial rope access, Tom was involved in eradication programmes targeting White Bryony and Contorta pine. He joined WAI Wānaka and ran Operations and Logistics for the Jobs for Nature programme, then became project manager for Wānaka Catchment Group’s “Wai Ora” J4N project. Tom now works for FTP Solutions as Field Operations lead - delivering IOT network solutions for predator control.
