The Trust

The trustees of the Whale Song Pakake Waiata Charitable Trust bring proven project and facilities management skills along with established financial, business and construction acumen to the project. Each has fully committed their resources, contacts, and skills to the project.

Kevin Milne, ONZM

Patron

Kevin worked as a television presenter and journalist for over 40 years and was best known as a battler for the consumer on Fair Go. As one of New Zealand’s most trusted media figures, he continues to contribute to radio and magazines. He and his wife Linda live in Raumati Beach and have four adult children.

Marco Zeeman

Chair/Trustee

Marco has a diverse portfolio of skills. From his marine education and conservation interest to his long-standing involvement in the sculptural arts world, to construction, facilities management, community engagement, project, and event management. Co-founder and sponsor of the hugely successful international Tareitanga Sculpture Symposium held five times on Frank Kitts Park, Wellington over 10 years. This event produced over 400 sculptures, engaged with 100’s of 1000’s of spectators, bringing together sculptors from around the world. Marco is well-known for his role as instigator and Chairman of the SinkF69 Trust, which successfully scuttled the former navy frigate “HMNZS Wellington” off Wellington’s South Coast in 2005, creating an artificial diving reef. Recipient “Wellingtonian of the Year – 2005.”

Mike Fuller

Artist/Trustee

Mike's passion for the visual arts began following extensive training with the NZ National Film Unit as a film cameraman, which took him across the country and to numerous international destinations. Mike has a decades-long, award-winning international career as a director and cinematographer on films and commercials.

With vast experience in aerial and underwater cinematography, as well as owning and sailing on ocean-going vessels, Mike developed a deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants. Conservation and education are the strong undercurrents in his work.

Additionally, he worked alongside his successful sculptor father, John Fuller, on life-sized bronzes, developing his eye for aesthetics and composition. He brings his extensive industry, project, and business experience to his trustee role, along with a deep understanding of the engineering process involved in creating life-sized sculptures.

Barry Clevely

Trustee

Barry is Managing Director of the Paraparaumu-based MC2 Group property development company and brings decades of trust and advocacy experience to his trustee role. Barry was a trustee of the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Education & Research Foundation for more than 40 years. He spent several years as Deputy Chair of Massey University’s Property Foundation. He was a member of the committee, working to establish Waikanae’s public swimming pool. Barry was an advisor to the Palmerston North Boys’ High School educational trust for College House. In 2018 he was inducted into Kāpiti Horowhenua Hall of Fame and was also inducted into Palmerston North BHS Business Hall of Fame. Barry retired recently as Chair of Ngahina Developments Limited and continues as a board member of Coastlands and parent company Alpha Corporation.

Cathy Webb

Trustee

Cathy brings her experience in compliance and operational risk within the financial services field to her trustee role. Her career in spanned Canada, Germany, and New Zealand. She was involved with the implementation of regulatory changes and assisting business units, technology integration, and establishing new procedures.

Through many years of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Canada - Ottawa chapter Cathy participated in a variety of projects. Most notable was revamping the family selection process within the chapter and being part of the committee that saw an eight-house blitz build executed in eight days in 2002. Planning for this blitz build took a few years.

New Zealand is home now. Cathy believes that by being part of something bigger than ourselves improves everyone's life and our communities. Nature and conservation are important to her. Cathy considers herself fortunate being able to witness the majesty of whales in Canada, Antarctica and numerous places in Australia over the years. Understanding this is not possible for most people, Whale Song enables experience the everyone the opportunity to experience the wonder and magic of whales without disturbing them.

Jody Davies

Trustee

Jody Davies is a newly appointed Trustee of the Whale Song Project NZ, bringing a long-standing connection to the initiative through years of collaboration with Marco Zeeman and Mike Fuller.

Having supported their work and shared vision over time, Jody is committed to the project’s purpose and potential.

Honoured to step into this role, Jody looks forward to contributing to the cultural, environmental, and economic benefits the project will bring to the Kāpiti Coast, creating a lasting legacy for the community and future generations.

Read the Independent Capability Report

The executive team

The trust has brought together an executive team of successful high-profile New Zealanders to provide wide-ranging skills and key technical assistance. This diverse team skillset covers cultural, administrative, lobbying, fundraising, design, engineering/construction, marketing/online presence, storytelling/history/education and documentation.