Our People
Dr Ruud Kleinpaste MNZM, Patron
A man of many words, environmentalist / radio host Ruud Kleinpaste needs no introduction to New Zealanders. Ruud not only provides us with an environmentally friendly wakeup call every Sunday morning, but he is also a tireless promoter of the Wingspan cause.
Patron since 2009, Ruud’s passion for all things wild, creepy crawly, taloned, winged, bushy and leafy is an inspiration to all of us here at Wingspan. Ruud thinks BIG PICTURE and we like that. Supporting our birds of prey is not just about the birds; it’s about supporting a healthy Aotearoa… eh Ruud!?
Ruud was awarded the 2018 Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to entomology, conservation and entertainment.
Debbie Stewart MNZM, Founder
Debbie has had a lifelong love affair with wildlife that has spanned decades. Since 1977, Debbie has been captivated by the beauty and wonder of the natural world, dedicating her career to its preservation, protection, and advocacy. Debbie's journey into wildlife conservation began with a pioneering spirit, as she delved into the captive management and breeding of native fish (inanga, kōkopu, tuna, and the toitoi bullies), reptiles (including geckos, skinks, and tuatara), and native birds (including kiwi, kea, kākāriki, and kererū).
But, by 1982, a ‘spark’ for raptors had developed that led to an enduring passion for these spectacular birds and the founding of Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust in 1989, with formal registration as a charitable trust in 1992. Serving as the Executive Director of Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust until 2024, Debbie has been at the forefront of efforts to rehabilitate and raise awareness about New Zealand's native birds of prey.
In recognition of her dedication and contributions to avian conservation, Debbie was honoured as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours list. This accolade stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to birds of prey and the broader conservation movement.
Our Trustees
Nicole Brewer, Chair
It is with great pride and pleasure that we welcome our new Chair, Nicole Brewer, to the Board and to the greater Wingspan family.
Of Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Mahuta descent and a local to the Bay of Plenty, Nicole understands the regional landscape and brings established local connections.
As Chief Executive at Rotorua Regional Airport, Nicole is an old hand at leading a diverse team, setting and managing budgets, managing key stakeholder relationships, and overseeing regulatory compliance. Nicole also brings to the Board a wealth of experience in corporate governance and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
With such a strong commercial acumen and a strategic mindset - not to mention a deep and genuine care for conservation and kaitiakitanga - Nicole is well placed to lead Wingspan through its next stage of growth.
Noel Hyde MNZM, Trustee
A falconer since he could pick up a lure to swing it, Noel is to New Zealand falconry what Winston Peters is to Grey Power. Chair of Wingspan from 2008 - 2014 and trustee before that, Noel has been a champion of Wingspan since it all began. After 25 years of working for Te Papa, Noel is one of New Zealand’s most talented and well respected wildlife taxidermists.
Now living in Rotorua and living the falconers’ dream of flying a bird every day, Noel is a true blue kiwi who lives for Wingspan and for the birds it tirelessly protects.
Our guiding light, he’s not scared of mucking in and is leading the trust forward into an exciting future.
In 2018, Noel was awarded Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to wildlife conservation and research taxidermy.
Tame Thomas Malcolm, Trustee
This a ‘bio’ about the ‘bio’. All about contributing towards biosecurity and celebrating biodiversity. Tame, originally from Rotorua, is the director of Puna Consultants, a company that implements pest control programmes in forests, farms and other locations.
He has worked as a Biosecurity Officer at Waikato Regional Council and also OSPRI and Department of Conservation. He's also the general manager of Te Tira Whakamataki, Māori Biosecurity Network; the watchful ones, keeping an eye on the biological security sector, working with organisations to control pests all around the country.
Dr Richard Seaton, Trustee
Self-professed bird geek/raptor-nut, Rich has been smitten with birds of prey since he saw a peregrine falcon knock a pigeon out of the sky in Wales aged eight. He has been lucky enough to work with and study birds of prey around the world, including doing his PhD on our wonderful kārearea, and working on the Mauritius kestrel and Madagascar fish eagle conservation projects.
Rich continues to work as a conservation biologist over the ditch, working for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, where part of his job includes running research on the elusive red goshawk. But with regular trips back to his ‘second home’ of Rotorua, coupled with the wonders of the internet, he is helping guide the trust into the future and lending a hand where he can.
Note: improvised raptor head protection; an essential requirement while out in the field!
Dr Katrin Walbert, Trustee
Kat has always had a passion for animals, but she didn’t become a bird nerd until she moved to New Zealand. As an avid recreationist in Whakarewarewa Forest, she soon became acquainted with our kārearea and has never looked back – except perhaps while being mobbed by a pair of overprotective parents!
Kat is an active and driven individual that loves to challenge herself, both in her career and physically (think five Ironman triathlons despite initially not knowing how to swim). With a PhD in Mycology and a background working in science and government agencies as well as primary industry, Kat brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the Wingspan board.
Joanne McCracken, Trustee
Meet Joanne McCracken, Rotorua born, with a sense of adventure and a knack for numbers, Joanne's journey has taken her from the landscapes of New Zealand to the bustling streets of London and back again.
Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Joanne's professional escapades read like a travelogue of success. Her expertise in local authority surveys has been the compass guiding her through the dynamic world of property management and analysis. As the Director of APL Property Limited, Joanne has navigated the realms of commercial property management and property consultancy, needs of local and national private and public organisations, landowners, hapū, the Whānau Te Ture Whenua trusts, and Local Government.
But Joanne isn't just a powerhouse in the boardroom; she's also an avid outdoors enthusiast. Whether she's breaking a sweat on a run, cruising on her bike, or exploring the depths of the ocean through diving, Joanne embraces the thrill of nature with open arms.
Ineke Milner, General Manager
Meet Ineke, a passionate advocate for wildlife and conservation with a journey spanning from the lush landscapes of Rotorua to far reaches of the globe. With a deep-rooted love for nature, Ineke's career has been marked by her dedication to protecting birds of prey and fostering a greater understanding of our natural world.
Ineke contributed to Wingspan in earlier years serving as raptor PR and aviculturist, where she honed her expertise in caring for ngā manu. Her time at International Wildlife Consultants (Wales) further solidified her commitment to conservation efforts on an international scale. Notably, she proudly represented Aotearoa New Zealand at the 2014 International Falconers Festival (UAE), showcasing her expertise and passion for avian conservation.
In addition to her conservation work, Ineke has made significant contributions to education as a science and biology teacher and as head of the science department. Her devotion to outdoor education has allowed her to instil a love for nature in her students, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. As a Duke of Edinburgh Leader, she has empowered young people to explore the great outdoors and develop valuable skills for life.
Ineke's ability to connect with people from all walks of life shines through in her roles. Her collaborative spirit and effective communication skills have been instrumental in fostering partnerships and driving positive change in the field of wildlife conservation.
Ineke's journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a deep connection to the natural world. Communicating with people, communicating with nature.
Our Aviculturist Team
Heidi Stook, Raptor Manager
Wellington-born Heidi has a background in graphic design, but it was at Wingspan that she truly found her home. Since 2015, she has been an integral part of the avicultural team.
Heidi has trained kāhu, kārearea, and ruru, a barn owl too, with unwavering patience and expertise, and a natural empathy, ensuring their welfare is top priority. But her talents don't stop there; she's also a skilled pilot of roprey – a polystyrene drone – adding an innovative twist to her work with raptors.
When she's not busy caring for the birds, you'll often find her indulging her passion for art as our resident graphic artist. Heidi lends her creative talents to projects like our annual journal, signage, and branding, and even signwriting our trusty Wingspan vehicle.
Either way, Heidi has mastered her craft!
Riba Rakei, Raptor Aviculturist
Riba essentially stumbled into the raptor world – she wasn’t bird of prey mad until she started working with them.
After completing her Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity, she spent some time abroad working at various animal sanctuaries. She’s worked with wolves and bears, but it was the winged predators at an Irish bird of prey sanctuary that seeded a new passion. Kestrels, turkey vultures, white-tailed sea eagles…she was hooked!
After returning home, Riba worked as a ranger for four years before finding her home at Wingspan in 2021. The ultimate energiser bunny, if she’s not out luring her bird, Riba can be found prepping food, or cleaning aviaries – she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty!
Come meet Riba. Just don’t shake her hand...
Kairangi, Raptor Apprentice
Kairangi began her conservation journey earning a biology degree with a double minor in Environmental Science and Māori and Indigenous Studies, alongside a law degree. Her work history includes everything from administration to guiding, customer service to biodiversity monitoring.
Her love of birds even extends to her personal life! She has been caring for pet chickens since the age of 11, and handling and training two pet cockatiels named Scooby and Yertle.
Her background in conservation fieldwork, customer service experience and love for birds made Kairangi a valuable addition to the Wingspan team in 2026.
Now she's gained a new feathered friend in a ruru morepork owl...don't tell Scooby and Yertle!
Shannon Campion, Administration & Communications Manager
Shannon has always held a strong affinity for wildlife - she was raised on David Attenborough documentaries and stories of her father's childhood in Africa. Nonetheless, her career took her on a different path as she gained a bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management (BIHM) and years of experience in administration and customer service.
But Shannon has covered some ground. Indeed, on both sides of the Tasman Sea, she has proven she is not only good at looking after people, but animals too! She has worked as an animal attendant in both Perth, Western Australia, and back at home in Aotearoa. Part of the team since 2019, she now combines her skills and passion as our Administration and Communications Manager, responsible for the smooth running of the office and community outreach - including social media management, e-newsletters and the publication of Wingspan's annual journal - but her single greatest joy can be found in the company of a ruru morepork owl.
Join Our Whānau
Wingspan exists because remarkable people choose to give their time, expertise, and passion to something greater than themselves. Every one of them is here because they believe New Zealand's birds of prey deserve a future. If that belief resonates with you, we'd love to have you involved. Become a member, volunteer your time, sponsor a bird, or simply come and visit. There's always room for one more in the Wingspan whānau.