Maria Burnett

Co-Chair

Recreation has shaped Maria’s life from the beginning. It was natural to pair her planning skills with her love of the outdoors. As an Open Spaces Planner at Central Otago District Council, Maria leads projects shaping parks, open space, and trails. She prepares strategies, policies, and management plans and advises elected members on future plans.

Maria brings a fresh perspective to creating better recreation outcomes in New Zealand. Outside work, she loves the outdoors — happiest up a mountain, mid-hike, or racing downhill on skis, a board, or her bike.

Tom O’Neill

Parks and recreation shape how Tom lives every day. As a Parks and Recreation Consultant at Xyst, you’ll find Tom working on projects that improve community access to quality recreation.

In Queenstown, you’ll spot him on the hockey turf, on the slopes, or exploring the backcountry. Tom also supports the Southern Lakes Branch of the NZ Deerstalkers Association, advocating for public access and caring for hut networks.

Ciarán Dunnion

Ciarán is a keen runner and outdoor enthusiast. Living in Christchurch, he makes the most of the region’s mountain biking, hiking, and surf.

His career centres on environmental stewardship and creating spaces that boost wellbeing while protecting natural spaces. Ciarán began his career in the UK with Natural England, gaining experience in habitat protection and parks management. He now works as a Supervisor – Red Zone Rangers for Christchurch City Council. He looks forward to connecting with others through the Generate Network.

Jasmin Carr

Jasmin grew up in Taranaki surrounded by sport, play, and recreation. These experiences fuelled her love of movement and its role in wellbeing.

After studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, majoring in Sport Development at Massey University, Jasmin became Active Recreation Advisor at Sport Taranaki. She works to improve physical activity opportunities for rangatahi in the region. Outside work, Jasmin loves spending time with friends and whānau, staying active, and embracing new challenges.

Tui Boteju

Tui grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau, playing and competing in many sports. These experiences sparked a lifelong passion for recreation.

Now a Play, Sport and Recreation Graduate at Auckland Council, Tui works on projects supporting tamariki and rangatahi to get active and stay connected. He loves learning, building relationships, and making recreation more inclusive and accessible. Outside work, you’ll find Tui hiking, playing cricket, or travelling.

Anna-Leigh Gillies

Anna-Leigh grew up in Wellington, spending a lot of her time outdoors. She studied Plant Science at Massey University and completed a Master’s in Biological Sciences.

Today, she’s the Planning Lead for Amenity Parks and Play at Hamilton City Council, connecting with communities and creating spaces for all to enjoy. Anna-Leigh loves surfing, football, and playing guitar. She’s excited to join the Generate Network, meet like-minded people, and give back to the sector.

Natalie McNulty

Tāmaki Makaurau-based Natalie stumbled into a career in the outdoors after missing out on a football academy and joining her school’s first Outdoor Education programme.

She describes herself as an “accidental outdoor professional, intentional youth worker.” Natalie champions youth voices and community wellbeing. She works for Scouts Aotearoa, creating inclusive outdoor experiences and new delivery models. She also sits on the Recreation Aotearoa Northern Committee and supported writing the Accessibility and Inclusion in the Outdoors guidelines.

In her spare time, Natalie loves water, mountain biking, and bushwalking — grateful her mahi keeps her outdoors. She’s excited to connect more outdoor professionals through the Generate Network.

Steph Lovelock

Steph’s love for sport and the outdoors shaped her career. After growing up playing sport and sailing competitively, she studied a Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Otago.

Steph worked at summer camps in New Hampshire, USA and taught sailing in New Zealand before joining Christchurch City Council’s Recreation, Sports and Events team. She now manages a bookings team overseeing recreation facilities and seasonal pools across Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Outside work, Steph stays active hiking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and running. A passionate supporter of women’s sport, she was thrilled to attend the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Sydney.