Rachel Taylor- Te Tai o Poutini Kaiako

Rachel moved to Hokitika a few years ago after working as a secondary school teacher in Tāmaki Makaurau for several years. She was a volunteer on Tiritiri Matangi island which inspired her to pursue a career in environmental education. She has most recently worked in advocacy and engagement for the Department of Conservation, collaborating with local schools and the community to learn about, and protect, the beautiful Tai Poutini.

She is passionate about both education and the environment with a keen interest in the nature, conservation, and history of Aotearoa New Zealand - especially native orchids and manu!

She is a firm believer in the power of connecting people with nature and the benefits that this can bring for both the people and the environment. She feels strongly about providing young people the opportunity to experience the world around us to help in both the development of themselves and as our future kaitiaki.