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
Verdon Kelliher - Chair
Verdon joined CCCT in March 2025. When he’s not attending to his day job in Auckland — taking New Zealand technology to international markets — he’s in the Bay of Islands, where he’s passionate about protecting our moana. With deep experience in strategy, partnerships, and scaling innovation, Verdon brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to tackling the Caulerpa threat.
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.
Claudia Lyons
Claudia joined CCCT in 2024, bringing deep expertise in strategy facilitation and qualitative research across Aotearoa’s primary industries. Based in Whangārei, she has worked closely with Māori leaders to co-design leadership development frameworks that embed Te Ao Māori values and practical tools. Claudia’s collaborative approach and commitment to culturally grounded innovation make her a key contributor to CCCT’s mission to protect our moana and empower communities.
Natasha Clarke
Natasha has whakapapa to Ngati Kuta and Patukeha hapu and was raised in Te Rawhiti, Bay of Islands. She has been strategically involved in the response to exotic Caulerpa since it was discovered in 2023 in Omakiwi Cove, Te Rawhiti.
She is the Tai Tokerau Northland representative to the Exotic Caulerpa National Advisory Group working with Biosecurity New Zealand to develop a National Exotic Caulerpa Strategy. Natasha is a devoted and active associate of the Conquer Caulerpa Charitable Trust, supporting their efforts to work collaboratively with the regions communities, and the Iwi and Hapu of Te Tai Tokerau, to eliminate the pest weed from Northland.
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.