What is Rere ki uta rere ki tai – Living Soil Project
The Rere ki uta rere ki tai – Living Soil Project is a national research and farm support initiative of the Rere ki uta rere ki tai Society. The project brings together science, mātauranga Māori, and farmer experience to strengthen soil health and build more resilient farming systems across Aotearoa.
By focusing on soil first, the project supports farmers to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, improve soil and animal health, and measure real outcomes such as greenhouse gas emissions, milk quality, and pasture performance. Each participating farm contributes valuable data and on-farm insight, helping to shape practical tools and resources that can be used more widely.
At its core, the Living Soil Project is about creating productive, resilient, and future-focused farming systems that support people, whenua, and waterways for generations to come.
Meet the Team Behind the Mahi
The people weaving this kaupapa together
The Living Soil Project is powered by a passionate and diverse team of farmers, scientists, mana whenua, communicators, and community leaders working as one.
The Living Soil
Project Leadership Team
Clare Bradley
Project Director
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
Dr. Ashna Khan
Project Manager
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.
Pou | Projects Team
Nick Collins
Farm Engagement Lead
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.
Dr. Alison Dewes
Farm Systems Support - Emissions Analysis
Bio
BVSc, MSc, Cert IV Adult Education (Melb), SNM, ASNM (Massey)
A fourth-generation dairy farmer and second-generation veterinarian, Alison is passionate about building food production systems that are profitable, resilient, and environmentally responsible. Her Master of Science (2015) focused on how Upper Waikato dairy farms can achieve strong performance while minimising environmental impact.
She brings a diverse background across animal health and nutrition, agricultural business performance, policy, and ecosystem health, with experience at Nestlé Australia, Commonwealth Bank, and Intelact Australia.
Alison is involved in the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project as Farm Systems Support, specialising in emissions analysis and working closely with farmers to support practical on-farm change.
Her achievements include the NZ River Voice Award (2019), NEXT Fellow (freshwater, 2020), and election to the New Zealand Veterinary Council in 2015. She also served as Head of Environment for Landcorp until 2020.
Regan McCorquindale
Farm Financial Analysis
Bio
Founder and Consultant, RECO
Raised on a family-owned dairy farm in the Korakonui District, I have a deep passion for farming, along with a strong respect for farmers and the opportunities and challenges the industry brings.
After completing a Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Massey University, I built my career in the agricultural sector, becoming an associate member of NZIPIM and an accredited body condition scorer.
I began by running my own successful pasture management business, before joining a well-established consulting firm delivering farm advisory services nationwide.
In 2022, I founded RECO, bringing my experience, energy, and drive back into my own business to support farmers in growing resilient and profitable operations.
I’m passionate about the New Zealand dairy industry and enjoy working alongside like-minded farmers who are focused on progressing their systems and achieving their goals.
Kiri Reihana
Kairangahau Māori
Bio
Kiri Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tūhoe) is a kairangahau, Māori scientist, and environmental health specialist, currently completing her PhD exploring the integration of Te Ao Māori and Western science in the marine environment.
As a Taiao ora specialist, Kiri works alongside iwi and hapū across Aotearoa, applying mātauranga Māori in practical ways to support environmental wellbeing. Her research on cockle populations contributes to the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge, focused on protecting and enhancing marine ecosystems.
Kiri is also the Māori kairangahau for the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project, working alongside iwi and Māori-owned farms to track change and understand impacts through a mātauranga Māori lens.
She also develops innovative digital tools, including the WAIOra and NGAHEREOra apps, alongside projects like the Eko ecology game and the Karanga a Tānemahuta VR experience. In 2022, she became the first Māori PhD recipient of the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Mentoring Fellowship in New Zealand, and she serves on the Tīwaiwaka Trust board, supporting a vision of healthy land and people.
Alison (Ali) Price
Research Assistant
Bio
Ali, originally from the USA, moved to New Zealand in 2018, now settled in the beautiful Bay of Plenty with her partner.
Ali rediscovered her passion for plants and planet while WWOOFing after University and has allowed that spark to guide her career path since. She is excited to work for a company contributing to a more sustainable and resilient Aotearoa.
Ali spends most of her spare time exploring the area's hiking tracks and gardening.
Mike Bhana
Videographer
Bio
Mike Bhana
Mike Bhana is an award-winning producer, director, and cinematographer with over 30 years’ experience creating natural history and documentary content. With a deep passion for the ocean and the Pacific, his work spans global storytelling, from marine conservation to humanitarian and social issues, including documenting Red Cross missions in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
He has produced and directed more than 60 hours of documentary television for major international networks including Discovery, Animal Planet, and National Geographic, and is the creator behind the widely recognised series Fish of the Day and Sharkman. His work has earned multiple international awards, with imagery featured in over 100 productions worldwide.
Mike is also responsible for filming across the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project, documenting the progress of the project and capturing the stories and journeys of our farmers.
A leading voice in ocean storytelling, Mike has produced 28 films focused on sharks, continuing to inspire greater awareness, understanding, and conservation of our oceans.
Hannah Fromont
Communications Support
Bio
Hannah Fromont is a graphic designer and photographer, and the creative behind Rose & Co Creative, a Rotorua-based studio helping businesses bring their brands to life through thoughtful design, imagery, and marketing. With a strong focus on storytelling and connection, Hannah works closely with clients to create cohesive, confident brands that reflect who they are and what they stand for.
Alongside her design work, Hannah is an adventure-driven photographer, known for capturing emotive and candid imagery that feels real and meaningful. Inspired by the outdoors and genuine human connection, her work spans both brand and lifestyle photography, helping people and businesses show up authentically.
Within the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project, Hannah leads communications, managing social media, newsletters, and storytelling across the project. She shares the work being done with a wider audience while also capturing on-farm moments through photography.
With a down-to-earth, collaborative approach, Hannah is passionate about creating work that not only looks good, but feels right, building brands and visual stories that people truly connect with.
Rhys Hikuroa
Sustainable Nutrient Advisor
Bio
Growing up in Te Pahu, Rhys graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelors of Commerce majoring in agribusiness and innovation.
Since then he has worked in the dairy chemical industry and has developed an in-depth knowledge of the agricultural sector.
A much experienced Area Field Consultant, Rhys leads the commercial aspects of AgriSea and provides strategic support to our customers and community. Rhys has got a sustainable nutrient management certification from Massey University
Our Partners
Lincoln University
Chris Brennan -MOXI
AgResearch
Thank you to our funders:
