Learning alongside leading ecologists

Honorary Associate Professor, University of Auckland · Distinguished Professor, Lanzhou University

Weihong Ji is Chief Scientist of the Nature Guardians programme. She earned her PhD in Environmental Science at the University of Auckland (2001), completed postdoctoral research at the University of York (UK), and taught at Massey University from 2005–2023 as a doctoral supervisor in animal ecology and conservation biology.

Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland

Dianne Brunton is a mentor of the Nature Guardians programme. She completed her PhD in Natural Resources at the University of Michigan (1987), taught at the University of Auckland (1991–2003), and led the School of Natural Sciences at Massey University as its Head of School. Her work spans animal behaviour and conservation.

Senior Ecologist (formerly Auckland Regional Council)

Tim Lovegrove is a mentor of the Nature Guardians programme. He earned his PhD from the University of Auckland (1992) and worked as a senior ecologist in regional government's natural heritage team, specialising in the recovery of threatened bird populations and ecosystem restoration.