Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust - Dunedin, New Zealand

About us

Te Tautiaki Hoiho Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is a not-for-profit conservation organisation with a mission to see one of the world's rarest penguins, the hoiho, thrive in its natural environment. Found only in the South Pacific Ocean and on the coastlines and subantarctic islands of New Zealand, the hoiho are known as the 'noise shouter'. And it is their call that drives us to protect our oceans, coastlines and biodiversity.

Trust patrons

Lady Beverley Reeves (1988 - 2006)

Anton Oliver (2006 – 2017)

Trust ambassadors

Lady Beverley Richard Roberts (2017 - Current)

Kieran Read (2011 - 2017)

Our staff

Wenna Yeo

Programme Manager

MA (First Class), PhD. Wenna's PhD research focused on bridging holistic environmentalism and individualistic animalism by centering the values of te ao Māori. Her continued research considers the responsibilities we carry as embedded individuals in a multispecies world, which carries through to her work as our Programme Manager. Wenna is committed to exploring how justice for hoiho can be enacted with care within a decision-making model she calls the Unfurling Koru.

Fran Neal

Biodiversity Coordinator

Fran holds a BSc in Science, Ecology and Biodiversity. She volunteered extensively with DOC to gain predator management experience and has strong animal care expertise from working with Auckland Zoo's bird team, focusing on kororā and breed-for-release conservation programs.

Louise Ashton

Nursery Supervisor

BSc Zoology (Victoria). Grew up in Hawke's Bay, studied Radiography at Waikato Hospital, worked as a radiographer in Hawkes Bay and Dunedin. Took 23 years to get a job in zoology/biology field, but is excited to now be here!

Our trustees

Eiren Sweetman: Trust Chair

Tim Mepham: Trust Treasurer

Daniel Whitburn: Emerging Leader Trustee

Euan Kennedy: Founding Trustee 1987

Hoani Langsbury: Trustee

Lala Frazer: Founding Trustee 1987

Murray Brass: Trustee

Vicki Crosbie: Trustee

Our story

Since 1987, we have been restoring coastal forests and shrublands where hoiho nest and protecting these sites from pests and predators. Our impact: over 140,000 trees raised and planted; thousands of pests eradicated and over 1000 acres of land protected on the Otago coastline.

When the hoiho call, we answer. Working alongside other organisations, we monitor hoiho for starvation, disease and injury and, when required, intervene to provide veterinary care and rehabilitation.

Hoiho have gained iconic prominence in New Zealand and around the world. You will find the hoiho on the five dollar note and a recurring favourite in the Bird of the Year campaign. Yet this well-loved bird faces serious challenges both on the coast and at sea, and it's our job to keep amplifying its call and advocating for its protection.

Our Founding Sponsor

Mainland Brand

Since 1989, Mainland has proudly sponsored the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust in what is believed to be one of the southern hemisphere's longest-running cause-related partnerships. This collaboration has become a household favourite, especially through the popular cheese label redemption scheme (1990–2017). Over the decades, Mainland's commitment has helped fund impactful awareness campaigns, educational programs and iconic TV commercials featuring Roy Wesney. Notably, it also helped contribute to the purchase of Okia Reserve on the Otago Peninsula, providing vital nesting habitat protection for the hoiho. The association between Mainland and the Trust has become much more than just another sponsorship arrangement; it has become a very special relationship.

Our People