Donna Sutherland

Dr Donna Sutherland is a Water Quality and Aquatic Pollution Scientist, whose research interests include the prevention, reduction and remediation of anthropogenic pollutant impacts on water quality, water resources and ecosystem health. With a career spanning over 20 years, Donna has extensive expertise and experience in freshwater management and aquatic pollution, having worked across a wide range of waterscapes, from the most pristine waterways of Antarctica to the most degraded waterways of New Zealand. Dr Sutherland is an internationally recognised expert on bioremediation, with over 50 Q1 scientific publications on freshwater management and aquatic pollution bioremediation and is currently ranked in the top 2% of scientists, worldwide for the past three years. In her role as Tohunga o te Wai at Te Kura Taka Pini, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Donna works with Papatipu Rūnanga to support their aspirations for the restoration, rejuvenation and protection of wai māori across the takiwā.

Gabrielle Huria (MNZM)Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri

Gabrielle Huria is the Chief Executive of Te Kura Taka Pini – the Ngāi Tahu company set up to work strategically with freshwater in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā/ tribal area. Mahinga Kai (mutton birding, whitebaiting, eeling) is integral to Gabrielle’s world view, driving a commitment to improving water quality and quantity. She has an extensive background in governance and tribal development.

In addition to her role as Chief Executive, Gabrielle is a member of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Advisory Board. Prior to her current role, Gabrielle was Principal Advisor for Christchurch City Council, Chair of the University Digital Screen Advisory Board and the inaugural Chair of Emerge Aotearoa. In 2018 she received her MNZM for services to Māori and governance.