General Manager
Laura has been part of the Project Island Song team since 2020. Originally as Engagement Manager, Laura moved into the General Manager role in 2024 when long-term General Manager Richard stepped down.
The diverse role leads the overall direction of the project, working with the Committee, partners and stakeholders and supporting the team across all aspects of the project. Enabling communities across the Bay of Islands and beyond to visit Ipipiri and actively participate in the project
Administrator
Carola joined the Project Island Song team in October 2023. Carola brings her skills and expertise in all things administrative and finance related. Carola is responsible for answering enquiries from the public, and taking care of the many and varied other tasks that need doing to keep the cogs of the organisation running smoothly.
Fundraising Manager
Andy joined the team as Fundraising Manager in 2022. In this role, he works with Project Island Song’s extended family of donors, partner businesses, and other supporters who share our kaupapa, as well as working to develop new sustainable revenue streams for the organisation.
If you would like to help secure the future of Project Island Song, he would love to hear from you.
Abby joined the team as our new Education/Volunteer Lead Coordinator in June 2025. Many of you will know Abby as a Kororāreka/Russell local and uri of Ngāti Kuta, Patukeha and Ngāti Manu hapū.
Abby’s studies in botany, horticulture and recent mahi in plant installations and maintenance will come in very useful in her new role with us. She is excited to share more of her passion for Ipipiri and its history and ecology.
Lead Skipper
Tracey joined the team as our Lead Skipper and Responsible Person for our vessel Marara. Tracey brings her enthusiastic attitude and can-do personality to this role. Tracey has been on boats her entire life having grown up here in the Bay of Islands. She has experience in the running of numerous vessels as part of her skippering career and a great understanding of vessels, Maritime NZ requirements and expectations.
Skipper
We welcomed Nik to the team in December 2025 as a Skipper. Nik has grown up in the Bay of Islands and has a wealth of skills and knowledge on the water and around conservation andpest-management. When Nik isn’t Skippering for Project Island Song he will be working on his own vessel or at Russell Landcare Trust as a Trustee and Technical Advisor.
Part-time Skipper
Grace has been skippering with us part-time since September 2024. Grace offers a wealth of knowledge as a Skipper in the Bay of Islands, not only does she skipper for Project Island Song she also skippers on the Blue Ferry and on occasions the Explore ferry.
Conservation Dog Handler
Miriam, along with her expertly-trained conservation dogs Will and Ahu, can be found traversing the islands for a number of days every month, checking for any signs or smells of rogue rodents that may have found their way to Ipipiri.
