Melanie Mark-Shadbolt is of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Te Atiawa, Mackintosh and Gunn descent. Currently Kaihautū Chief Māori Advisor for the Ministry for the Environment, Melanie’s expertise in biodiversity and driving environmental outcomes are underpinned by an indigenous worldview which Project Crimson is thrilled to have on board.

Melanie has over 10 years’ leadership experience at board, CE and senior management level, and is passionate about using strong research and policy to empower communities and create a healthier environment for all New Zealanders.

Melanie is currently Kaiwhakahaere (Chief Executive) of Te Tira Whakāmataki, a charitable Foundation aiming to provide mātauranga Māori solutions in the biodiversity sector, with a particular focus on ensuring protection of Aotearoa’s biosecurity systems.

Melanie is also Director Māori of NZ’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, one of 11 National Science Challenges funded by the Government, which aims to protect and manage Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity, improve our biosecurity, and enhance our resilience to harmful organisms.

Deeply concerned about New Zealand’s threatened biodiversity and emerging threats to our native flora and fauna, Melanie is actively involved in New Zealand’s investigation into the impact of myrtle rust on native trees within the myrtle family including pōhutukawa, northern and southern rātā, ramarama, kānuka and mānuka.