Co-Chair

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-Chair

Renata Hakiwai

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Committee Member   

Tim Kelleher

I grew up in Christchurch, but was lucky enough to spend most holidays on Banks Peninsula. That also allowed me access to shoot/trap enough possums to put myself through Lincoln University, where I completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. After an initial few years at the Ministry of Ag and Fish in Wellington, I transitioned into a role in Global Financial Markets, where I've been employed for over the past 30 years, both domestically and offshore. 

That has allowed me to gain a wealth of commercial expertise, strong negotiation skills, and governance experience, which I hope will add value to B2R. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for delivering results through clear communication, trusted relationships, and a practical approach to problem solving. 

My wife and I live in Waiwhare, on a 5-hectare lifestyle block, that we purchased in 2011. We both love being a part of this special community.  I look forward to helping B2R navigate its path forward, whilst maintaining the integrity of our little piece of paradise, and ensuring it is available to all to use now, and in the future. 

Committee Member, Treasurer

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.

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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.

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

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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.

Committee Member

Jenny Mauger

Ngāti Hinemanu, Ngāi Te Upokoiri, Ngāti Hāwea, Ngāti Hori, Ngāti Kere, Ngāti Mārau, Ngāti Parakiore, Ngāti Hāmua

RCN BSc(BiolSc) GradDipAppSc(Aquaculture) MSc(MarZoo/EnvSc)

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Born into a familiy of agricultural, pastural and horitcultural innovators, when wai ran clear, springs pulsed, streams bubbled, rivers coursed through resplendent estuaries to oceans teeming thick with fish accompanied by ever present bird life, mostly observant, sometimes screeching, lakes allowed for reflection, abundant kai (“wild harvest”, “forage” kohi kai).

My favourite food memory remains a tree-ripened peach plucked directly from the tree (Evans Rd, Twyford) in my childhood. Papa’s record crops for Watties planted and harvested using the maramataka. Water and food shortages didn’t exist.

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Walking my parents’ path in human and ecological wellbeing, my Guernsey / Scottish roots compliment island life where people and place harmonise and adapt seasonally with land and aquatic life in balance.

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