Staff

Julie Perry

Julie has wide-ranging finance and business experience, predominantly in senior executive, change management and troubleshooting roles. On moving to Wānaka in 2017 she turned her energies to the for-purpose sector, volunteering for WAI Wānaka then becoming our first Trust Manager in 2018 and Partnerships Manager in 2022. Her roles with WAI Wānaka involved every aspect of day-to-day management of the Trust alongside building partnerships with local and central government, community groups, researchers and funders. Since stepping away from full time employment, Julie has continued her volunteering. As a lifelong learner, she has a strong interest in improving impact and outcomes from community-led mahi through harnessing collaborative effort, sharing knowledge and reducing duplication. Julie’s current board roles include Shaping our Future, Environment Hubs Aotearoa and Aspiring Community Foundation. Read More

Dr Don Robertson

Don is the Chair of Guardians of Lake Wānaka and a member of Guardians of Lake Hāwea. His background includes 40 years in marine fisheries science & management, marine ecology, biodiversity and biosecurity. He held senior research and management roles in NZ Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries & NZ National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA), including NIWA Vessels Ltd. Don led the campaign to design, fund and build the NIWA research vessel “Tangaroa”, commissioned in 1991. Don was the NZ member on the Governing Board of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, as a member of the Ocean Biogeographic Information System Management Committee & Node Manager for the Southwestern Pacific Ocean (part of the global Census of Marine Life programme). He has also served on a number of government and Royal Society research committees. Read More

Dr Amanda Bell

Mandy has extensive experience across environmental leadership, agribusiness and governance, with a strong focus on freshwater, land stewardship and community-led action. A trained veterinarian, Mandy brings a practical, systems-based understanding of how land use, ecological health and community wellbeing intersect. As a co-founder and former Chair of WAI Wānaka, Mandy played a pivotal role in establishing the organisation’s collaborative, catchment-wide approach to freshwater protection in the Upper Clutha. During her tenure as Chair, she helped guide WAI from a volunteer-led initiative into a respected regional organisation, strengthening governance, securing strategic funding, and building trusted partnerships with scientists, landowners, community groups and government agencies. Beyond WAI Wānaka, Mandy has contributed to national science and freshwater leadership, including serving on the Government’s Freshwater Leaders Group and holding governance roles within primary industry. Alongside her governance work, she and her husband operate Criffel Station near Wānaka, where sustainable land management and innovation are central to their farming business. Now an Emerita Trustee, Mandy continues to support WAI Wānaka through strategic insight, mentorship and advocacy. Her leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to place, collaboration and practical action, with a strong belief that informed, mobilised communities are essential to protecting freshwater and ecosystems for future generations. Read More