A pod of dolphins swimming near Kaikoura

Advisory Team

Meet the team behind the scenes of Moana Mark

We’re fortunate to have experts in a variety of fields who are able to support our mission and vision. Thanks to our advisory team, we can continue to connect individuals and tourism businesses directly with vital marine research projects across Aotearoa.

Alex Dykman

Founder of Maverick Digital & Grow Tourism

“With a tourism career spanning a decade, my experience is centred on digital transformation and empowering tourism to drive positive change. From Tourism NZ to founding Maverick Digital, I have worked with a diverse range of operators and destinations, including Hobbiton Movie Set, South Sea Cruises in Fiji, and Destination Kaikōura. More recently, I co-founded Grow Tourism, a learning platform designed to equip New Zealand’s tourism workforce with the tools to deliver sustainable, high-value experiences for future travellers.”

“My experience working with tourism’s varied stakeholders has given me a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. I’ve always believed tourism has the power to create a lasting positive impact on visitors, indigenous cultures, host communities, and operators alike.”
“Moana Mark provides tourism businesses with the tools to drive meaningful, purpose-driven change, transforming ‘hui’ into ‘do-ey’ and fostering a thriving marine environment. There’s so much potential here for powerful storytelling and impact across Aotearoa, and I’m passionate about helping supercharge that vision.”

Chris Sturgeon

Director of Hapuku Kitchen, Deputy Chair of Destination Kaikōura & Programme Lead at Kaikoura Marine Development

“Nearly 17 years ago, my wife Fiona and I returned to the South Island to reconnect with my whakapapa and establish Hapuku Kitchen, an artisan business and residential cooking school. During this time, we also took on the management of a local luxury lodge, immersing ourselves in the fast-paced world of tourism. Having previously spent close to 20 years in corporate finance and banking in Wellington, I continue to operate a business redevelopment, project management, and transformation consultancy.”

“Moving to Kaikōura allowed me to bring my commercial expertise, advocacy skills, and tourism connections to the board. I have a deep passion for Kaikōura, its whenua and moana, and how regenerative tourism sustains our community.”
“It is an honour to work alongside Dr Krista van der Linde as part of Moana Mark’s evolution and to serve as Kaitiaki for our precious taonga.
“E whakahīhī ana ahau ki te mahi ki te taha o ētahi atu mema kaingākau o te poari i runga i tēnei Kaupapa me te tautoko i ngā mahi matakite a Krista.”

Gisela Purcell

Tourism Industry Aotearoa Sustainability Advocate

“I have a wide understanding of the tourism sector and business management. In my current role, I work both strategically and operationally to ensure that New Zealand’s tourism sector follows a regenerative approach, balancing community, visitor, environmental, and economic sustainability. My experience with the Nelson Regional Development Agency provided me with insights into the challenges facing tourism operators, destination management, community engagement, and the importance of collaboration with local councils. This led to creating New Zealand’s first zero-carbon holiday itinerary, which won a national tourism award for collaboration.”

“I am a founding member of the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and serve as a tourism specialist advisor for the Mission Zero initiative. I also contributed to the Kotahitanga Mo Ta Taio Alliance, a large-scale biodiversity project. Additionally, I am president of the local SKAL group and a former board member of Trade Aid.”
“My academic background includes an MA in international development, with a focus on mentoring entrepreneurs, a certificate in regenerative tourism, and a professional certificate in sustainable tourism. In my spare time, I enjoy sea kayaking and scuba diving in Te Tau Ihu.”

Krissy Griggs

Visitor Markets Manager at ChristchurchNZ

“I started my tourism career in 1997, working in hotels around the world, including Christchurch, Japan, England, and Australia. After earning an IATA degree, I worked at Air New Zealand.

“After taking some time off to focus on my family, I later returned to Hurunui Tourism, where I helped develop the region. I served on the North Canterbury Wine Growers board before moving to Kaikōura, where I currently sit on the Kaikōura Information and Tourism Board.”

“I’m passionate about tourism and the ways we can give back. Regenerative tourism is gaining traction, and Moana Mark’s vision resonates with both Kaikōura and New Zealand as a whole. The team at Moana Mark is dedicated to preserving our marine life and ensuring its future.”
“As part of this movement, we are excited to be involved and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts. The work they’re doing is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable tourism practices, and I’m proud to support this journey.”

Marie Knowles

Co-founder of DM Hotel Marketing

“Storytelling is my passion. From a decade in magazine editorial to another in advertising and marketing, as well as several years as a travel writer, I've always loved connecting and engaging with people and exploring the world. I’m fortunate that I run a business where I can combine those passions and experience.

“I founded DM Hotel Marketing with my partner Damien Knowles. We specialise in digital marketing for unique properties, working with the people behind the brands to sell their experiences, not just their rooms.”

“At DM, we believe in giving back more than we take, in order to have a positive impact on the world around us. This applies to us as business owners, as individuals and as parents with an eye on our children’s futures as well.
“Having lived and worked in London for seven years, as well as travelling to over 50 countries together, we’ve seen a lot of the world. Meeting new people, connecting with the natural world and discovering new places to explore are some of the highlights of travelling. But the downsides include seeing firsthand the negative impacts that people can have on nature.”
“Moana Mark represents the change I want to see in the world. Helping businesses to donate directly to marine research projects has huge potential for sustainability and the environment in Aotearoa.
“I knew of Moana Mark through our client, and Moana Mark Premier Partner, Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses. Highlighting the local marine tourism experiences was a natural fit for Hapuku’s social media and I had always enjoyed creating this content in particular because of my love of the nature and wildlife of Kaikōura.”
“I jumped at the chance to work with Krista when she presented me with the opportunity. I’m thrilled to be helping with the marketing and communications strategies, channels and content. My aim is to bring my storytelling and marketing expertise to ensure more people know about Moana Mark, take an interest in its vital work and take action to support it.”

Louise Frend

Owner of Unique Stays

“I have enjoyed a 30-year career in the tourism industry across New Zealand, Australia, the UK/Europe, and Fiji. Based in Hawke’s Bay, I have experience in business operations, marketing, inbound sales representation, strategic planning, product development, and PR & Media.

“My long tenure in tourism has honed my instincts for the industry, and my time as an RTO has deepened my passion for destination management and expanded my experience working with central and local government.”

“I currently run an international tourism marketing and representation business, helping boutique accommodation and experiences in New Zealand become ‘internationally ready’ while growing awareness of their products and experiences.”
“I’m dedicated to supporting Moana Mark as it launches an accreditation program that New Zealand and the world are ready for. With a focus on the environment, research, citizen science, and sustainability for our vulnerable oceans and marine life, I’m excited by Moana Mark’s vision and passion. I will do everything I can to assist the organisation during this time of evolution and change.”

The oceans are in peril with climate change, pollution, and overfishing pushing marine life to the edge. Vital research is needed to protect our most vulnerable species.

Our mission is to connect individuals and businesses directly with marine research projects in Aotearoa New Zealand. With your support, we can make a difference.