What is Rere ki uta rere ki tai | Soil Sea Society?
Rere ki uta rere ki tai | Soil Sea Society is grounded in the wisdom of tangata whenua and the experience of intergenerational farmers.
Rere ki uta rere ki tai | Sea Soil Society is an incorporated society originally established within AgriSea and supported through funding from the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, this kaupapa has since grown into the Rere ki uta rere ki tai Incorporated Society. That evolution reflects both the strength of the work and the collective commitment to carrying it forward for the long term.
This kaupapa weaves together the knowledge and expertise of farmers, tāngata whenua, scientists from Manaaki Whenua Landcare, AgResearch and Lincoln University, alongside rural advisors and technical staff from AgriSea. It also includes rural social scientists, market research experts, farm financial advisors, kaiako from local schools, and storytellers who help bring our mahi to life.
Together, we are working to restore the mana and mauri of the soil through science, culture, and community.
Meet the Team Behind the Society
The people weaving this kaupapa together
Society Board Members
Mozz Trueman
Chairperson
Nick Collins
Deputy Chairperson
Bio
Nick grew up on a sheep & beef farm and studied horticulture at Lincoln. After 7 years shearing in NZ and overseas, Nick made a career change into dairy farming, including 18 years of farm ownership under the Fonterra Organic program.
Nick and his wife converted their farm to organics, focusing on soil health and diverse pastures, and planted 20,000 trees.
Nick's experience and 20 year association with AgriSea led him to join the team. Nick is passion about regen farming and loves providing support for other farmers to get onboard the journey.
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Matt Rout
Secretary
Bio
Matt Rout is the owner-operator of Rout Dairies, a 69-hectare dairy farm in Springdale, Waikato, milking 225 cows. A proud intergenerational farmer, Matt continues a family legacy on land that has been farmed by the Rout family since 1936.
Focused on performance, efficiency, and long-term sustainability, Matt is actively transitioning his system to incorporate diverse pasture species, biostimulants, and data-led decision making. His farm consistently delivers strong results, with high pasture harvests and excellent animal condition, supported by technologies such as Halter and advanced milk monitoring systems.
Passionate about continuous improvement, Matt is working to better understand the impact of his practices on soil health, productivity, and environmental outcomes. Alongside this, he is investing in planting and on-farm development to build resilience for the future, making Rout Dairies a standout example of progressive, forward-thinking farming in the region.
Jenny Smith
Treasurer
Bio
Jenny Smith is a co-owner of Willith Farm, a 260-hectare dairy operation in Atiamuri, supporting the development of a resilient and sustainable farming system alongside her family.
Jenny plays a key role in the farm’s long-term vision, with a strong focus on environmental outcomes, including riparian planting, gully restoration, and enhancing biodiversity across the property. She is passionate about ensuring the land is cared for in a way that supports both current and future generations.
Grounded in a values-led approach, Jenny is committed to building a farming system that works in harmony with the natural environment, while contributing to a strong and sustainable future for the farm.
Ashna Khan
Board Member
Bio
Ashna holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry and has six years of experience in the Agritech sector, with a background as a research scientist. She is driven by research with potential for commercial and environmental benefits.
Ashna oversees significant projects, including "Rere Ki Uta, Rere Ki Tai - Living Soil Project" aimed at enhancing understanding of soil's Mana and Mauri in farming.
Based in Auckland, she balances her professional passion with a bustling family life as a mother of two.
Taonui Campbell
Kaumatua
Bio
With a background in Engineering and Horticulture, Taonui has held leadership roles including C.E.O. of Te Wānanga o Kōkako, a recognised NZQA education and training organisation. He has also served as a board member for Te Whakakitenga Waikato Tainui and as Chairman of Te Kawau Māro o Maniapoto.
Over the past 30 years, his work has been deeply embedded in iwi development, supporting Maniapoto and Tainui Hui a Iwi, contributing to Waitangi Treaty settlement processes, and serving as a Pou Karakia.
Today, his focus centres on the conservation and protection of native natural resources, including waterway restoration, native species conservation, and the preservation of Rongo Māori and ancestral knowledge.
He is particularly passionate about the intersection of research and development within Te Ao Māori, working to bridge Western science and mātauranga Māori for the collective wellbeing of people and the environment.
Based in Te Kūiti, Taonui is a father of twelve, a grandfather to many, and has also raised five whāngai.
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Heather Collins
Board Member
Miah Smith
Board Member
Bio
Miah Smith is the owner-operator of Willith Farm, a 260-hectare dairy operation in Atiamuri, milking 520 cows. Farming on land converted from forestry, Miah is focused on building a resilient and productive system suited to a more challenging landscape.
Working within a low-input approach, Miah is actively transitioning toward more sustainable practices, including diverse pastures, reduced nitrogen use, and improved land use across the farm. He is particularly interested in how landscape planning, soil health, and biodiversity can support long-term productivity.
With a practical and independent mindset, Miah is committed to finding solutions that balance profitability with environmental responsibility, while continuing to evolve the farm system for the future.
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Clare Bradley
Board Member
Bio
Clare has a background in biology, and worked for a number of years in the Amazon Rainforest with indigenous communities to develop micro-enterprise and environmental research.
While raising her 3 children Clare has continued her education and business capabilities while working at AgriSea.
Clare is a member of the Aotearoa NZ Seaweed Association and has won awards in Agritech and Rural business for her collaborative approach, she is passionate about regenerative and distributive economies for the future.
Nuffield Scholar for 2026
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Thank you to our funders:
