Our Team

Jody Weir BSc, MSc, PhD

Since arriving in Kaikōura in 2004 to study the local dusky dolphins, I have been amazed by the abundance and diversity of marine life right in our backyard.  I have a deep interest in animal behaviour research and how we can use what we learn about wildlife and human behaviours to reduce threats to wildlife and the environment.

I am immensely passionate and enthusiastic about the work that we do and looking for ways to connect our community to KORI’s research and conservation projects through volunteer and student participation, public presentations and different media outlets.

I have a MSc in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University, a PhD in Biology and Anthropology from the University of Victoria and since 2010 have run a community conservation project focused on lemurs in Madagascar.  Currently I am directing the research programmes for Kaikōura Hector’s and dusky dolphins as well as our local population of little penguins. 

Nora Kahler 

I’m originally from Pennsylvania in the United States, but have called Kaikōura home since 2018. I studied biology and sustainability at university, which included a term with the Creation Care Study Programme here in Kaikōura. I returned in 2018 to serve on the staff team. 

I’ve been enchanted by penguins for as long as I can remember, so it’s been particularly delightful to assist with KORI’s penguin monitoring. I’m honoured to be able to interact with the abundant marine life in my own backyard through the important work KORI does and I also appreciate connecting with like-minded people through the organisation.

Kapri Martin BLS, DipT

After spending 15 years overseas exploring mountains and adventuring, mostly in Canada, Japan and Switzerland, I decided it was time to come back to my home country of New Zealand.  The magnificent outdoor playground attracted me to Kaikōura, as it is all of my passions combined into one picturesque location. The abundant marine life right next to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, skiing, camping and surfing, all on our doorstep. 

I am motivated and enthusiastic to protect these natural wonders, so we and many generations can enjoy and experience this beautiful playground too. Moving to Kaikōura in April 2021, I began as a volunteer for the Great Kaikōura Whale Count, and am hooked, to be part of something that will make a difference is what I aspire to. Completing a degree in Sports and Leisure studies and Education, I am keen to learn, share, protect and respect these environments for the future.  I am proud to be part of the KORI team.

Ailie Suzuki BA, BSc, MA

Born in Japan, raised in Australia, travelled the world and ended up in Aotearoa where I absolutely fell in love with the raw nature, the wildlife and the incredible way you can be so hands-on involved in conservation. My career has centred around the zoological sciences, conservation and education. Currently, I run a non-profit environmental organisation called Envirohub Marlborough and am based in Waitohi | Picton.

Although I am not based in Kaikoura, I have a huge love and appreciation of the incredible wildlife and natural environment that Kaikoura boasts and am a regular visitor. As close neighbours we have begun to work alongside and collaborating with KORI and I was honoured to be able to join the ranks to support and continue the longevity and impact that this amazing organisation continues to have in a more hands-on capacity.

Lisa Acevedo

I presently reside in Bellingham, WA, USA, situated near my hometown of Seattle. In 2008, I journeyed to New Zealand with my husband during his sabbatical from Western Washington University. During our time in Kaikoura, we immersed ourselves in studying the local fur seals, contributing to various research endeavors in the area. It was there that I forged a deep connection with the untamed beauty of Kaikoura and established invaluable relationships, such as with Jody. Our research on the interaction between the indigenous fur seals and inquisitive tourists has informed conservation management practices throughout New Zealand.

Currently, I teach at a local alternative high school, specializing in supporting students with diverse learning and social emotional needs. My passion lies in empowering young individuals to envision their future selves and effect positive change in society. I collaborate closely with our indigenous tribal community, learning from their time-honored stewardship practices for the land and its inhabitants.

I am thrilled to contribute to the KORI team, where I hope to assist in advancing wildlife research and education initiatives, safeguarding Kaikoura’s natural heritage for future generations.

Cat Guerin

New member information coming soon.

Thibaud Guerin

Originally from France, I arrived in New Zealand in 2013 after obtaining a Biotechnologies diploma and a Bachelor in Marine Biology. What was meant to be a small internship on bottlenose dolphin research in the Bay of Islands turned into a permanent position, which eventually lead me to co-fund a local marine research and education organisation (TriOceans) in 2015.

My career since then has focused on weaving scientific methods with local cultural knowledge and practices into engaging education programs. It’s been a great privilege to be a part of these projects, and I’m excited to join the KORI team to learn and share more about the marine environment and the people who revolve around it.

Heidi Pearson PhD

I’m a marine mammal scientist who was born and raised in Iowa, USA but eventually made my way to the sea. Since a young age, I’ve been passionate about animal behavior and wildlife conservation. This led me to pursue a BS in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy, and Biology, from Duke University and a PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University. It was during my PhD research that I first came to New Zealand to study dusky
dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds and, later, Kaikōura.

Since 2011, I’ve been a professor at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau where I teach
undergraduate courses in marine biology and conduct research on the behavior, ecology, and
conservation of marine mammals. In addition to continuing my dusky dolphin research in New
Zealand, I study humpback whales in Southeast Alaska, common dolphins off the south of
Portugal, and small dolphins in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

I enjoy sharing and communicating my science with others, and am delighted to be a member of the KORI team!