A global biodiversity hero from Marlborough has been acknowledged as a national award finalist for sustainability, thanks to her community focused species recovery efforts
Elizabeth “Biz” Bell is one of three finalists for the KiwiBank New Zealander of the Year’s Genesis New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year category, for her national and global impact with Wildlife Management International Ltd (WMIL) as a leading ecological consultant.
And after being announced as a Kiwibank Local Hero Medallist in 2019, Biz is excited to be acknowledged again for her over 30 years of dedication to managing species and spaces alongside eager communities.
“The reason I got involved in conservation work was because I had the access to admire species in their natural habitat, and Marlborough is likewise such a passionate community and allows its young people that same opportunity”, Biz says, - awaiting her flight in the Auckland’s Air New Zealand Lounge on route to the UK and Caribbean for restoration projects in Northern Ireland and Anguilla.
“It’s mindblowing, honestly - it’s a huge honour to be recognised alongside the 10 semi-finalists and now my fellow two finalists in the Sustainability category, especially seeing the awesome mahi so many people do in their fields”.
WMIL’s local efforts include monitoring of kororā/little penguins and pakahā/fluttering shearwater in the Marlborough Sounds, tarapirohe/black-fronted tern monitoring and pest trapping along the Waiau Toa /Clarence River, and seabird necropsies.
Further abroad, WMIL consults and operates on 10 ongoing projects across New Zealand – including a famed 30-year tākoketai/black petrel survey on Aotea/Great Barrier Island and Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island - and has advised on 30 successful island restoration projects across the globe so far.
But Biz credits the nomination to the community pride and legacies of conservation action generated alongside each project, whether local or further abroad.
“I have a great team in WMIL to work alongside, fabulous community group connections, and an excellent way that we all work together to achieve joint visions.
“Our work encourages the recovery of key native species, reconnecting these species with the local communities, implementing the communities predator-free visions, and taking lessons and technology learnt from each project around the world.
“As an ecologist I get completely hooked by the taonga species and their spaces but also encouraging community engagement for locals to get hooked by their species and spaces too, which is so special to be a part of”.
“I love what I do, and I hope to be doing the same work out in the field helping communities connect with their wildlife with a Zimmer frame at 90”.
The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year awards, including Biz in the Genesis New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year 2025 Te Toa Taiao o te Tauare, are announced on Thursday 20th of March
