About me

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2022 with a degree in Biology, a field that has long underpinned my passion for the natural world. Since completing my studies, I have pursued a career in conservation, applying both my academic knowledge and personal commitment to the protection and restoration of Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity.

Currently, I am employed by the Styx Living Laboratory Trust, where I work on habitat restoration projects within the Pūharakekenui (Styx) River catchment. This role represents the beginning of my professional journey in the conservation field, and I am dedicated to building a long-term career focused on safeguarding natural ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

Through my work and volunteering, I meet some incredibly passionate people who have helped me gain invaluable experience monitoring and supporting a range of threatened species. Some of this work includes monitoring endangered Canterbury spotted skink populations, tracking and surveying kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeets) in remote backcountry environments, and assisting with population assessments of tītī (sooty shearwaters) and Canterbury mudfish.

I have also volunteered with the South Island Wildlife Hospital, where I contributed to the care and rehabilitation of injured and threatened wildlife alongside an enthusiastic team of veterinarians and volunteers. During this time, I worked with more than 40 species, including three types of kiwi, Antipodean albatross, Australasian bittern and even hoiho! I am also currently involved in surveying and salvaging local skink populations as part of ongoing conservation efforts.

Why I do what I do?

Tīeke | Saddleback

I initially took up photography as a hobby, driven by a lifelong passion for wildlife and a desire to capture the magnificent animals I encountered in zoos around the world. However, photography quickly evolved into much more than a pastime; it became a powerful medium through which I could promote conservation efforts, not only for endangered species globally, but also for the unique wildlife found here in Aotearoa, our own corner of the world.

I am driven by a passion to shine a light on our precious taonga, as well as many exotic species that are often overlooked or unknown to the wider public. Through publishing my images, I am able to share with the world the vital conservation efforts currently underway to protect our endangered and unique wildlife. My work also serves as a platform to advocate for proactive measures, highlighting not only how we can support these species, but also why it is crucial to protect wildlife before they reach the brink of extinction.

Northern Giant Petrel

Kārearea | NZ Falcon

How I Started

My passion for wildlife began at a very young age. From as early as I can remember, I was fascinated by animal, spending every opportunity searching for birds, persuading my parents to take me to the zoo, and even asking (unsuccessfully) for crocodiles and snakes as pets. This early obsession was largely inspired by my childhood hero, Steve Irwin. To me, he was a true superhero, and at just four years old, I proudly visited Australia Zoo dressed as him. That enthusiasm never faded; instead, it evolved into a lifelong commitment to wildlife and conservation.

I properly began my journey into photography during a family trip to Sydney in 2019, where I "borrowed" my sister’s brand-new camera at Taronga Zoo and began photographing every animal I encountered. What started as a spontaneous experience quickly grew into a powerful passion, combining my love of animals with a new way to share their stories.

Throughout school, I pursued every opportunity to study wildlife, focusing on biology and environmental sciences. This academic pathway led me to complete a degree in Biology at the University of Canterbury. Today, my work in conservation and my photography practice complement one another, allowing me to not only document the beauty and diversity of wildlife but also to convey vital conservation messages to inspire and educate others

What’s next for me?

Conservation and photography will continue to be at the heart of my career. I am committed to pushing my limits and further developing my skills within the conservation field. Living in Aotearoa offers a unique opportunity to work alongside and photograph hundreds of endemic and distinctive species. Looking ahead, I am eager to become involved in initiatives such as volunteering with kākāpō recovery efforts on Whenua Hou Island, monitoring marine mammal populations like orca, and contributing to the conservation and promotion of the hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin).

One of my aspirations is to expand into underwater photography—a challenging, yet exhilarating field that captures the rich biodiversity hidden beneath the ocean’s surface. The ocean remains one of the least explored frontiers on our planet, and the idea of diving alongside sharks, whales, and sea snakes fills me with excitement. Underwater photography not only presents a creative challenge, but also offers a new way to highlight the urgent need for marine conservation.

Travel is another passion that fuels my work. While many travel to visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, my journeys are driven by the pursuit of photographing the world's most extraordinary wildlife, from dung beetles to Siberian tigers to African elephants. I aim to explore renowned wildlife hotspots such as Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra, the Amazon Rainforest, and Yellowstone National Park. At the top of my bucket list, however, is the Serengeti—an iconic landscape that epitomises the breathtaking diversity and grandeur of the natural world.

Kōtuku | White Heron