About us

DIRECTOR, RESEARCH AND LEGAL

Matt has broad environmental research experience spanning the natural sciences, environmental education, philosophy and law.

Originally trained as a botanist at the University of Edinburgh, he worked for several years as a Research Scientist at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Matt has widely published in environmental ethics and has a PhD in environmental philosophy from the Australian National University.

Matt holds an LLB from the University of London and has a keen interest in approaches to environmental law that prioritise the natural world.

DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS

Matt Dagger has come from a background in the not-for-profit sector, working mostly in environmental and social service organisations at local and national levels.

He has experience in both operational and governance spheres. 

Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management.

SENIOR RESEARCHER

Anna began her career as a lawyer in government at Crown Law, working in teams focussed on natural resources and public law. Later, moving to the NGO space, she focussed on freshwater management, policy and implementation, as an environmental advisor for Fish and Game. In this role, she supported advocacy and policy development for better freshwater ecosystem and habitat outcomes. This work grew out of a fascination and concern for the natural world and studies in law and environmental science. As a parent of 2, Anna most enjoys being with her family in wild places not far from their Nelson home.

SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR

Megan has over a decade of experience working in a broad range of areas.

She started her career working in Treaty of Waitangi litigation and negotiation. After a stint in Vancouver working for a firm advising First Nations, she returned to Aotearoa to work in intercountry adoption and international surrogacy, amongst other areas, for the Ministry of Social Development, and coordinating teacher conduct cases for the New Zealand Teachers Council.

Most recently, Megan spent 3 years in the legislation team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, working on everything from occupational regulation to major events.

Megan lives in Lower Hutt, and loves being blown around the coast and hills with her young family.

LEGAL ADVISOR

Reto was raised and educated in Rawene, South Hokianga, and has previous experience in Māori land law, mātauranga Māori and Māori fisheries.

Reto is particularly interested in Māori Environmental Law as well as increasing Māori representation within the New Zealand legal system.

SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR

Tess has a background in public, commercial, and regulatory law. She has worked across academia and the private and public sectors, most recently as a drafter at Te Tari Tohutohu Pāremata | the Parliamentary Counsel Office. She also has NGO experience through unions and the living wage movement. This work has strengthened Tess’s commitment to justice in the environment space.

Raised in rural Whangārei, Tess has a deep attachment to Aotearoa’s natural world and taonga. She is interested in collective action and using the law as a tool to tackle emerging issues and achieve better environmental outcomes.

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Aaron brings a wealth of experience in campaigns and communications, and a passion for our natural world.

Prior to joining ELI, Aaron was the senior communications advisor to the Chief Human Rights Commissioner.

Aaron spent over a decade working on climate change campaigns and was a central figure in the establishment of 350.org across the Pacific Islands, Australia, and Aotearoa.

Aaron holds a masters in environmental studies and has experience as the chairperson of several NGOs.