Co-Chairman

Andrew Russell

Currently farming sheep and beef on Tunanui Station with Kieran Wills. Situated in the Sherenden District on Taihape Road, I have lived here all my entire life aside from a couple of breaks for education and overseas travel. I am married to Pip and have two children, Arthur & Georgia. My continuing involvement in the community includes being a former Pukehamoamoa school board member, serving as a Rural Fire Officer for the past 30 years and I am an active member of the Sherenden Hall committee. I am also a part of the Hawkes Bay Federated Farmers executive team. I was also formerly on a Charitable Trust for 19 years, 5 of which being the Vice Chairman.

The Russell family has farmed Tunanui since 1860, hence the passion I have for the land between the two rivers. Having farmed this land through various weather events, people coming and going from the community and multiple law…changes, I believe I have a great understanding for the land and needs of the community.

Co-Chairman

Renata Hakiwai

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Renata Hakiwai

B2R Committee Member & Secretary   

Ainsley Harte

I am a sheep, beef & deer farmer from Waiwhare, Hawke’s Bay alongside my partner Willie. We lease his third-generation family farm, Waiwhenua, which is 325 ha effective, and absolutely love it. I studied Environmental Management and Planning at Lincoln University and then went into a nutrient advisory role with Ravensdown based in Dannevirke before I had the opportunity to do what I’ve always wanted to do – farming!

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I am passionate about our taiao. As Upper Catchment Coordinator, I want to help farmers & growers achieve their on-farm goals by providing educational workshops and advice through Between the Two Rivers resourcing, while ensuring they still love what they do.

When not farming or busy with B2R commitments, you’ll find me enjoying the outdoors, travelling, or socialising with friends and family.

B2R Committee Member

Michael Toulmin

I farm sheep & beef on our 211 Ha property located at Waiwhare, where I have lived since 2010 with my wife and two children. After studying Forestry at University of Canterbury (BForSci) I spent 5 years working in forestry operations and harvesting in both New Zealand and Australia. Following on from this I moved into sawmilling where I managed sales & marketing for Kiwi Lumber. In 2021, after 12 years at Kiwi Lumber I shifted my focus to running the farm full time.

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I am keen to promote farming in a positive manner, and ensure the greater community is aware of the hard work farmers are already putting into achieving improved environmental outcomes. Through my involvement with Between the Two Rivers I hope to assist other farmers in the community in understanding ongoing regulatory changes and ensure farmers are supported along the way.

I am currently a member of the Sherenden & Districts School Board of Trustees.

B2R Committee Member

Tom Lowry

Our family has lived in this catchment for 5 generations.

We farm sheep, cattle horses and a few Rockit apples. I was educated in Australia studying horse business management and in England studying agriculture.

Our family wants to continue living in this area we call home for generations to come. We see our catchment as our future and as neighbours and resident-cum-occupiers in this unique area, we would like to be part of gaining knowledge, sharing history, helping others to make our area the area we want to live in and to see our future safe and prosperous for generations to come.

B2R Committee Member

Charles Yule

I was born and bred in Hawkes Bay. Growing up on a 450ha sheep and beef property with my
parents and three siblings. I attended the local primary school and moved on to boarding school at Lindisfarne College for seven years for my high school education. After completing seventh form at High School, I headed down to Lincoln University and completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Agriculture. After a four-year stint on the family farm, I was very fortunate to gain the position of farm manager of Whakamarumaru Station. Whakamarumaru is a 1000ha flat/medium dry land property.
B2R is leading in the field and front footing the various environmental issues being thrown at
farmers/growers. I want to be apart of helping the farmers/growers between the two rivers to
overcome these challenges.

B2R Committee Member

Mary Tukiwaho

Kia ora,

Ka tū au kei raro ō ngā maru o Mahuika, o Uenukukopako, o Rangiteaorere, o Rangiwhakaekeau, o Tutakangahau hoki. Ka tū au ki te taha o B2R hei mahinga au ki ngā whakaaro o te Māori mo te Te Taiao, ngā kaupapa tino hirahira mo te “community”, mo ngā tāngata e noho ana i te rohe mai Ohiti ki ngā maunga o Kaweka. He mahi tino aweawe, tino maha, me ngā matauranga hou, kōrero hou hoki ki au.

I am a descendant of Mahuika, Uenukukopako, Rangiteaorere, Rangiwhakaekeau and Tutakangahau. I am a homeschooling mother to a 10-year-old, turning 11 this year as well as a mother to two adult sons. I have represented my marae on several Māori boards and my whānau on land trusts.

Everything that I am learning and doing alongside of the B2R Catchment group is eye opening for myself, I enjoy learning new techniques in the implementation of ideas and solutions, of helping and supporting the community from Ohiti through to the Kaweka mountains when I can. I thoroughly enjoy soaking up the knowledge from our resident scientist, our project manager manages to teach me something new in almost all our conversations as well as the other team members. It is my pleasure to work alongside of such inspiring, supporting and amazing people.

B2R Programme Manager

Stephanie Howard

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B2R Coordinator

Kylie Morrison

Hi, my name is Kylie Morrison and I’m one of your  Catchment Coordinators.

Born and bred in Ngamatapouri up the Waitotara Valley, which is about an hour from

Whanganui, up the longest no exit road in New Zealand.

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I am a jack of all trades and master of none, but with energy and enthusiasm to burn!! Having spent

30 years in many different roles, both governance  and Office Management.

I belong to our fabulous Matapiro Volunteer Fire Brigade and I love being part of our fabulous rural community, and if you see me around, please introduce yourself.

If you have any great ideas, new concepts or frustrations, I am all ears and maybe

we can work towards new action and great outcomes for RD9.

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Together we can all be Kaitiaki Whenua – Caretakers of our Land!

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B2R Coordinator

Jo Alexander 

Hi, I’m Jo. Originally hailing from Blisland in Cornwall. I began my journey in New Zealand in 1996 where I went to work up the Ruakituri Valley as a groom on Tuahu Station. I had been through Agricultural College where I studied horses and business, but it was here I really fell in love with sheep and beef farming and the land.  The years that followed saw me travel including time spent in the Nothern Territory working a small stint staying in an aboriginal community. 

Working with racehorses in Cambridge allowed me to travel to sales in Singapore and Hong Kong.  Eventually, I settled in Nuhaka where I spent nearly 20 years immersed in sheep and beef farming and owned a horse stud and farmstay.  

In 2023 a change in circumstances led me to the Sherenden District, where my children and I have been warmly welcomed by this vibrant and supportive community.  I am grateful to call this place home and look forward to contributing as Catchment Co-ordinator.

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B2R Communications Coordinator 

Franzi Cave 

Hey, I'm Franzi your Comms Coordinator. Originally from Germany where I studied International Business, I now live on a sheep and beef farm with my husband and our three girls.

I feel privileged to be delivering news, updates and information to the wider community and be part of so many great initiatives and projects for our local area.