I am an enthusiast for the natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand and a lover of our native forest and wildlife. I have Lifelong passion for yachting, particularly as a means to explore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Professionally I am a plant disease epidemiologist and modeler of 40+ years experience. I have researched myrtle rust since its arrival in Aotearoa in 2017, including development of a climatic risk model to map its potential distribution and disease management methods to lessen its impacts on our native Myrtacecae species.