Head of Operations, Takiwā, Indigenous Knowledge Tasman Turoa Gillies, of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga descent, is a passionate advocate for kaitiakitanga and indigenous data sovereignty. As Head of Operations at Takiwā and as a part of the Toha Network, Tasman focuses on supporting frontline efforts to tackle the climate change and biodiversity crises. Drawing from his role as a third-generation Tangata Tiaki for Whakaraupō, he brings a unique perspective that blends mātauranga Māori with modern environmental management practices to regenerate mahinga kai. Tasman is particularly committed to democratising data and tech infrastructure for iwi and hapū, recognising the critical role of data in empowering Māori communities to make informed decisions about their whenua and moana. His mahi emphasises the importance of data sovereignty in supporting environmental restoration efforts and strengthening tino rangatiratanga, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and culturally responsive approaches to environmental challenges.
Professor of Economics, Dalhousie University He has held visiting positions at Harvard, IMF, Universidad Carlos III, and Cornell. I also taught courses and gave lectures in South America, the Caribbean, and the Baltic countries. I was one of the founding members of the Canadian Development Economics Study Group. I have published extensively in peer reviewed journals and main research has been on macroeconomics, international economics, and agricultural economics. I have also been an advocate for safe cycling and naturalized urban landscapes.
Associate Professor of Accountancy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Todd Thornack is the Raymond C. Dein Professor of Accountancy at the Nebraska College of Business at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Assistant Professor of Policy and Public Affairs, UMass Boston Trevor Memmott is an Assistant Professor Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston. His research has focused on environmental policy with an interest in environmental justice and energy transition.
Ngurrara Traditional Owner and Ranger, Indigenous Knowledge Thomas Nnarda is a Ngurrara Traditional Owner, with many years of experience as a ranger looking after desert country.
PhD Candidate, Social Sciences, Loughborough University Theo is a social science PhD candidate researching the intersection of sport and environmental sustainability. His PhD titled ‘Fossil Fuel Sport Sponsorship: An Exploration into Legitimacy’ focuses on the multi-level institutional legitimacy of fossil fuel sponsorship in sports, driven by concerns for the natural environment and its societal impact. His research integrates insights from various disciplines, including Energy Humanities, Sport Sociology and Sport Management. Theo is a member of Loughborough University London’s research and innovation hubs ‘Climate and Ecological Transitions’, ‘Policy, Sport and Geopolitics in an Unstable World’ and a member of Loughborough University's SCAN Network (Sport for Climate Action and Nature).
