PUKETI FOREST TRUST BOARD

Toby Ricketts, trustee since 2018 – Current Chair. Toby resides near Mangonui on a 2.4 hectare patch of native bush which is heavily pest-managed and home to Miromiro, Riroriro, Tui, Kiwi, and Kukupa.

Toby’s key skills are in the areas of business management, media, marketing and broadcasting, having worked for major broadcasting networks in NZ, owned a recording studio in Christchurch, and producing video media for corporate clients. He currently has a very unusual occupation – working from home as an international voice over artist. He can be heard regularly on commercials and videos all over the world for brands such as BMW, Facebook and Samsung, although he is relatively unknown in New Zealand. He brings these media skills, his youthful energy and new ideas to the trust to support the next generation’s kaitiakitanga and ensure the health and well being of the forest into the future.

Dr Gary Bramley, Forest and Bird representative, founding trustee. Gary is a local of Kaeo, where his family has lived since 1859. Many of his father’s family were bushmen and Bramley’s Ridge in Puketi Forest was named after his grandfather, Jack Bramley. Gary and his wife Carey have three children and own a small farm near the forest (formerly owned by Gary’s father and grandfather). Gary works as a consulting ecologist and has degrees in zoology and ecology from Massey University and the University of Waikato. He was the chairperson of the Far North Branch of Forest and Bird for many years. Gary provides valuable scientific support to the Trust and is closely involved in strategic planning.

Aggie Wheoki, Piki te Aroha Marae representative and trustee since 2021. Aggie’s family are tangata whenua of the Puketi area (hapū Ngāti Toro, iwi Ngāpuhi), having been here continuously since first settlement.  Aggie is one of 13 brothers and sisters and has lived all her life in Rahiri, beside the forest.  Aggie’s family and their ancestors have lived, worked, hunted and protected special sites in the forest for generations.  They are guardians of a rich cultural history.

Aggie is a farmer and an active trustee of Piki te Aroha Marae.  The marae is the hub of the community and her involvement keeps Aggie busy.  On the marae committee she holds portfolios for Corrections Department, Māori Land Court, Department of Conservation, freshwater/marine ecosystems, and tikanga (customary protocols).  Aggie has worked with the Corrections Department for about 30 years, helping to rehabilitate people convicted of minor offenses and to supervise community work sentences.

Aggie and her family have a long-term vision for Puketi.  They would like to welcome everyone to enjoy and help look after the forest, while its natural treasures and historic sites are respected and preserved.

Mita Harris – info to come

Delwyn Beckham – info to come

Deidre Everitt – info to come

Denise Schimm – info to come