Our People

Erin is an experienced business leader with a strong commitment to Canterbury and its community. She is a co-founder of Convergence Communications, an award-winning national consultancy, and a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand.

Erin has extensive governance experience across business, arts and community organisations, including the Court Theatre and New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. She brings strong strategic leadership, communications and governance skills to the Board.

Erin is passionate about securing a strong future for Orana and supporting its important work in wildlife conservation, animal wellbeing, and inspiring future generations.

Ben Davidson is a veterinarian with 26 years' experience and a Master's in Conservation Medicine, with wildlife field experience both in New Zealand and internationally. He is Chief Executive of DairySmart NZ, a Christchurch-based animal health technology company that helps farmers in New Zealand and overseas reduce the development of antibiotic resistance in their herds, and he leads the company's international growth across Europe and the United Kingdom. Ben brings a mix of veterinary and conservation expertise, executive leadership, strategy and financial oversight. He is keen to use these skills to support Orana Wildlife Park's conservation, education and animal welfare mission.

Ben sits on Orana’s Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee (AWEC).

Anna brings extensive financial, executive leadership and governance experience across the private, public and charitable sectors. She is Interim Commercial Director of Harness Racing New Zealand and Treasurer of Christchurch’s Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCA). Her community governance experience also includes previously serving as Treasurer of Aviva.

At Orana, Anna contributes financial oversight and a practical approach to guiding organisations through growth and change. She is committed to helping the Park thrive for future generations, applying her commercial and governance experience to support its long-term sustainability and its mission to conserve wildlife, inspire learning and connect people with nature.

Anna sits on Orana’s Audit and Risk Committee(ARC).

Mary Buckley is Co-Founder of Genvara, a global technology company redefining excellence in full business transformation. She has worked in senior executive teams in global organisations, with experience across operations and strategic human resources.

Mary co-created the Acentia Workplace Culture Excellence Framework and works with boards and executive teams to clarify purpose, values and long-term direction. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Canterbury.

Mary brings strategic insight and a strong focus on people and culture to the Board, supporting Orana's commitment to conservation, animal welfare and education.

Rachel Haydon brings extensive executive leadership experience across the zoo, aquarium, museum and conservation sectors in New Zealand and internationally. As Chief Executive Officer of Orana Wildlife Park, she is committed to building a strong organisational culture, fostering meaningful partnerships and delivering positive outcomes for wildlife, visitors and communities. Rachel's career has included leadership roles with the National Aquarium of New Zealand, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Natural History Museum London and the Zoological Society of London, alongside influential sector leadership roles across Australasia and beyond.

A qualified teacher, scientist and published author, Rachel is passionate about creating opportunities for people to connect with nature and understand their role in protecting it. Through conservation, education and community engagement, she is helping shape the next chapter of Orana Wildlife Park's contribution to wildlife conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Rachel is the Oceania representative on the International Zoo Educators (IZE) Association Board and on the Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia Conservation Engagement Committee.

Catherine has worked with native and domestic animals for over 20 years. She began her zookeeping career at Orana Wildlife Park in 2007 before gaining additional experience overseas. Her passion for native wildlife was strengthened while working with rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi as part of the Operation Nest Egg (ONE) programme in Franz Josef. Returning to Orana as a Senior Keeper in 2016, Cat has led the Native and Domestic Animal Sections since 2020. She is responsible for strategic development, native conservation programmes, stakeholder engagement, and staff development.

Catherine sits on Orana’s Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee (AWEC), she serves as ZAA Species Champion for kākāriki and sits on the DOC/ZAA Ex Situ Conservation Committee.

With a career starting in the UK, Craig has worked in the zoo and wildlife industry for over 30 years, with a career spanning four continents and experience with a diverse range of species. As former co-chair of BIAZA Primate working group, his passion extends to animals of all shapes and sizes.

Now Manager of Exotic Mammals at Orana Wildlife Park, Craig is passionate about the evolving science of animal care and welfare, particularly the Five Domains model.

Just as importantly, Craig is passionate about the people behind great animal care. He enjoys supporting and developing his team, sharing knowledge and experience, and creating a culture where people feel empowered to continually learn, question and look for ways to improve the lives of the animals in their care.

Jason brings to Orana Wildlife Park extensive customer service and leadership experience from the United Kingdom. As Retail and Reception Manager, he leads the front of house experience, ensuring every guest receives a warm welcome and helpful support from the moment they arrive. He also oversees the retail space, creating an engaging environment that generates vital revenue to support the Park’s work. Jason moved to New Zealand in 2021 and joined the Orana team soon after, following a successful career as a branch manager for a large corporate organisation. He values teamwork, practical leadership, and visitor experiences every day.

With a background in Environmental Science, Zoology, and Environmental Policy and Management, Llara is passionate about New Zealand conservation, and the role education plays in inspiring positive action. After more than 23 years in the education sector, including leadership roles as Head of Science, she moved into the role of Education and Engagement Manager at Orana to combine her strengths in teaching with her passion for conservation. She is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for visitors of all ages and champions the park's work, with the goal of helping everyone who visits understand the value of wildlife, conservation, and lifelong learning.

Nathan has been part of Orana Wildlife Park since 2000 and brings more than two decades of experience across visitor engagement, marketing, communications and organisational development. Beginning his career at the Park in group bookings, events and visitor guiding, he developed a deep understanding of the visitor experience before progressing into leadership roles. As Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Nathan leads the Park's marketing, communications, public relations and digital engagement activity, working across all areas of the organisation to support strategic objectives and strengthen Orana's profile. He is passionate about connecting people with wildlife and advancing Orana's role as a leading conservation and visitor destination. Prior to zoo-life, Nathan studied at Lincoln University, gaining a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. His thesis researched conflict between sea kayakers and motorboat users along the stunning Abel Tasman National Park coastline.

Nathan sits on Orana’s Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee (AWEC).

Olivia has been part of the Orana team for over 10 years. With a BSC in Ecology, she combines her passion for wildlife and conservation with experience in administration and organisational management.

Olivia oversees all things governance, from zoo compliance to HR. She enjoys supporting Orana's people, animals, and mission, helping create the strong foundations needed for great conservation and visitor experiences.

Olivia is the Chairperson of Orana’s Health & Safety Committee(HSC) and sits on the Audit and Risk Committee(ARC).