Our Trust
Conquer Caulerpa Charitable Trust
251E Rawhiti Road, RD4, Hikurangi, Northland 0184
Email: admin@conquercaulerpa.nz
Incorporation number: 50198738
NZBN: 9429051886714|
The Conquer Caulerpa Charitable Trust (CCCT) is a registered charity, GST-registered, and powered entirely by volunteers. Established in 2024, CCCT assists with the charge against the spread of invasive exotic Caulerpa in Northland. The Trust fills a critical gap in regional response — working closely with iwi, scientists, local communities, and government agencies to take action on the ground.
We work in continuous collaboration with Northland Regional Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries, including Biosecurity New Zealand. Our team actively surveys Caulerpa-affected sites and provides direct recommendations to Biosecurity New Zealand on treatment options, based on real-world conditions and findings in the field.
CCCT is focused on practical, place-based solutions to contain and ultimately eliminate Caulerpa from our waters. From testing new elimination technologies to leading community education and advocacy efforts, we’re committed to protecting the moana for future generations. While Biosecurity New Zealand provides national oversight, CCCT brings the agility, urgency, and local knowledge needed to respond quickly and effectively.
Our trustees
Michelle Elboz
Michelle Elboz has been involved with the Ngāti Kuta hapū for over 25 years and is a founding member of the Conquer Caulerpa Charitable Trust. She has played an active role in the response to exotic caulerpa since its discovery in May 2023.
Michelle is a member of TTMaC (Tai Tokerau Māori and Council working group), a Northland Regional Council initiative that oversees governance matters relating to Māori participation. She also serves as the Chairperson of Te Rawhiti Marae.
In addition to her community commitments, Michelle is a proud mother of three—her youngest is also a trustee for Ngāti Kuta hapū—and she works remotely as a contractor for a company based in Auckland.
Liz Witehira
Liz is a founding member of the Trust. Her focus is policy formulation, regulatory compliance and reporting. Recently retired to the Bay of Islands from management and administrative roles in the public and private sector, Liz is enjoying creative time and involvement with local enterprises.
Richard Anyon
Richard joined CCCT in September 2025. He has a commercial background as a senior executive.
With his science background, passion for the environment and a long term yachtie, he brings a practical collaborative logic-based approach to responding to the Caulerpa issue.
He will reside permanently in Kerikeri from late October 2025.
Dr Tara J. Anderson
Dr Tara J. Anderson is a benthic (seafloor) marine ecologist originally from, and now based back in, the Bay of Islands. She has 40 years’ experience in marine science across New Zealand, Australia and the United States, with a focus on seafloor habitats, marine biodiversity and habitat mapping. Tara specialises in understanding what lives in and on the seafloor, how marine species, including fish, use different seafloor habitats, and how evidence-based science can support practical coastal management. Her work has included research and advice for councils, government agencies, stakeholders, conservation organisations, iwi and community groups. Tara brings scientific expertise and a keen interest in retaining and restoring the ecological values of the Bay of Islands and Te Tai Tokerau/Northland’s coastal waters, and is pleased to support community-led efforts to respond to invasive Caulerpa.
Interested in Joining CCCT?
The work is enjoyable and has the potential to be deeply rewarding.
In 2025, the Conquer Caulerpa Charitable Trust expanded from five to seven trustees to ensure broader representation across all walks of life in Northland.
We’re currently seeking new trustees from the Northland business sector who can bring valuable insight and help us strengthen our impact.