Mahina Walle

Mahina Walle is passionate about protecting both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and believes that we need to look after our precious planet, not only for ourselves, but also for all the organisms we share it with. She loves being outdoors and tries to get into nature whenever she can whether that be by tramping, mountaineering, snorkeling, sailing or simply by going for a walk.

Mahina is planning to start studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in ecology and minoring in marine science at the University of Otago this year. She has grown up on islands and has spent the past ten years living on Te Hauturu o Toi Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve with her family (which is located in the Hauraki Gulf). This has enabled her to see first-hand how removing introduced predators enables native flora and fauna to flourish. She feels very privileged to have seen kokako hopping across the lawn and tuatara in the veggie garden! Mahina is very excited about the BLAKE Expedition to the Kermadec Islands/Rangitahua. She is looking forward to meeting the other young environmental leaders, travelling with the Navy, working with scientists and experts, experiencing intact marine ecosystems and exploring a very special part of the world.