Abi Cunninghame

Project Manager

The newest addition to the PFH team is our project manager Abi who brings her passion, drive, dedication and extended tertiary education history to the role. Abi aims to continue to expand Pest Free Howick’s reach into the community, further inspiring and educating the next generation to protect and preserve Aotearoa’s vulnerable flora and fauna.

Nigel Zhang

Community Liaison Conservation Assistant
Project Coordinator of School Waste Minimisation & Carbon Accounting

I’m Nigel Zhang, but most of my students call me “Mr Tuatara”.  Tuatara, a crucial species in our vulnerable ecosystem, provides a relatable story for young people to understand the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, predators, and irresponsible human activities. Since joining the PFHW team in 2020, my goal has been to channel my efforts toward community engagment, with the hope of inspiring more people to take proactive actions for a better future.

Ethan McCormick

Conservation Coordinator

Ethan has been with the Pest Free Howick team since 2020 and is enthusiastic about conservation and community. He is especially passionate about inspiring the next generation of conservationists in local schools as part of the Pest Free Cadetship programme.

Alex Parker

Conservation Assistant

I began my pest eradication warpath with a school trapping project. Before long, some friends and I placed second in the annual moth pod competition, awarding us the life changing (at least in my opinion) opportunity to visit Rotoroa Island and experience the conservation efforts there first hand. This influenced me to go on and pursue conservation leadership positions at high school, which then led me to Pest Free Howick Ward.

Matthew Quot

Conservation Assistant

I’m Matthew, a third-year Bachelor of Urban Planning student studying at the University of Auckland. I’m a manga-fanatic who loves working at Pest Free Howick and is driven by the organisation’s goal to protect Howick from Pests while interacting with my fellow peers and cooperating with local pest organizations and enviroschools.

Samantha van Ryn

Conservation Assistant

I have been passionate about wildlife and conservation since I was young. I hold a recent Masters degree in Biosecurity and Conservation and hope to bring my experience in environmental science, ecological restoration and plant knowledge to the Pest Free Howick team. I enjoy research and learning about nature. I hope to encourage the wider community to get outdoors and consider our place in nature.