Spanning a career of 25 years in the public service, predominately in marine and coastal management, Polly Matthews is a lead project manager for strategic, statewide projects within the Regional Coastal Adaptation and Planning team, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Victoria, Australia.

Yi Bian is a PhD candidate in the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University (Australia). She holds a Master in Tourism from the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka the University of Otago (New Zealand). Her research interests focus on regenerative tourism, climate change and biodiversity. Professor James Higham is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University (Australia), and Honorary Professor at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka the University of Otago (New Zealand). His research addresses tourism and global environmental change. Lisa Ellis is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka the University of Otago (New Zealand). Her projects investigate how we can make environmental policy decisions that serve our interests in flourishing now and in the future. Brendan Mackey is a Professor and Director of the Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University (Australia). He was a Coordinating Lead Author for the 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC 6th Assessment Report, Working Group II - impacts, vulnerability & adaptation.

Belinda has a background in environmental law, science, and policy. Her doctoral research focused on policy experimentation in climate adaptation, and she was a contributing scientist for the IPCC’s 2022 report on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. She has a keen interest in integrating biodiversity and adaptation goals through nature-based solutions.

Di is a scientist and systems thinker who works across a range of projects including climate risk, waste, food systems, biodiversity loss, and RMA planning. In her role as Co-chair of a local trust, she delivers regenerative enterprises that improve the wellbeing of her local community and the natural world. Angela is one of New Zealand’s Food System thought leaders and recognised by New Zealander of the Year Environmental Award, Federated Farmers Arable Food Champion and Cuisine Magazine. She leads Eat New Zealand, Aotearoa’s NFP food movement and co-owns a permaculture property, inspiring others to reconnect with where their food is from. Niki is an expert in sustainability and waste recovery. With a PhD in Sustainability from the University of Otago (2013), Niki has ten years’ experience working with businesses and organisations, helping them understand what a low carbon economy, resilient community, localising food or zero waste means for them.