Charmaine Petereit

Charmaine Petereit is a dedicated environmentalist and community leader who plays a crucial role in the success of the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust. As the Trust's project manager, Charmaine is the driving force behind the organisation's efforts to restore and protect the Tākaka Hill area's natural beauty and unique ecosystems.

Originally from rural Auckland, Charmaine and her husband, Norman Petereit, relocated to Tākaka Hill in 2016, drawn by the stunning landscapes and natural areas. With a background in environmental science, education for sustainability and social anthropology, Charmaine quickly became involved in conservation efforts, initially volunteering for the Cobb Valley 'Friends of Cobb' trapping program before co-founding the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust with Wendy Henderson in 2018.

Charmaine's leadership was instrumental in establishing the Trust and navigating its transition to a formal organisation in 2020. She initially served as the Trust's chairperson before transitioning to an operations role, allowing for the election of a new chair and the appointment of landowners as trustees. Charmaine's expertise in project management and her ability to build strong relationships with landowners have driven the Trust's success.

As project manager, Charmaine oversees the strategic development and implementation of conservation projects on over 7000 hectares of private and public conservation land on Tākaka Hill. Her dedication to the Trust's mission and passion for working with the local community has made her a respected and invaluable organisation member.

Charmaine Petereit's commitment to environmental stewardship and her leadership within the Tākaka Hill Biodiversity Group Trust exemplify her as a true champion of conservation efforts in the region.

Fun fact:

What is your favourite native bird, and why?

“The Ruru. I’m fascinated by their nighttime call, which I find incredibly soothing. It’s a reminder of the vibrant Takaka Hill forests at night, and I hope it sparks a similar sense of wonder in our visitors”.