Stewart Robertson

Experience

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  Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2006

  Skipper / Crew

  Successfully assisted in transition from launch to water taxi business operation, often transporting over 200 people per day in the high season. High pressure working environment, especially when combined with inclement conditions. Performed several rescues in a textbook fashion. • Working in all types of sea conditions. Trained in all areas of safety. Freight movement. Ticketing. Operating bar. Cash Handling.

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  Marahau Water Taxis

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2009

  Skipper

  Senior Skipper - Busy tourist operation operating year round, in often challenging conditions. Managed operations in the field for this family-run business; relieving strategic pressure on the business owners, often saving fuel and unnecessary trips through tactical decision making.

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  Abel Tasman Aquataxi

  Jan 2009 - Oct 2014

  Senior Skipper

  Master of a vessel, ferrying people, freight and kayaks into New Zealand's most popular national park. Front line tourism persona, informative narrative, fast thinking safety management skills for operation in most conditions. Time management.

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  Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

  Feb 2010 - Nov 2011

  Student

  A hands on course, readying students for a career in marine science. Experienced in a wide range of environmental monitoring skills, sub tidal and intertidal and freshwater. Attained Divemaster qualifications and was involved in scientific divingn on the HMNZS Canterbury, Lissenung, Papua New Guinea, and Tuhua Marine Reserve. As well as academic principles in biology, temperate and coral reef marine and fresh water ecology, fisheries management, aquaculture, biosecurity, surveying, legislation statistics and more. Show less

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  Kewpie Cruises

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2012

  DJ

  Organised and played as a showstoppin pirate DJ for Kewpie Cruises in Tauranga Harbour.

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  University of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

  Jan 2012 - Nov 2012

  Part of the BOPPOLY marine faculty dive team, undertaking ecological surveys of the rocky sub-tidal habitats at islands in the vicinity of Astrolabe reef, site of the RENA grounding. Completing my BSc Majoring in Biological Sciences (Marine, Terrestrial and Freshwater). Undertaking a major study on fish diversity at two shipwrecks in the Bay of Plenty. GIS, Functional Animal Biology. Getting ready to hit the work force.

  • RENA disaster response - Dive team member and boat crew.

    Oct 2011 - Nov 2012

  • Student

    Jan 2012 - Jan 2012
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  Abel Tasman Eco Tours

  Apr 2013 - now

  Owner Director

  We are science communicators, conveying environmental messages, ecology and conservation through tourism and education. My core business is conducting conservation tours in the Abel Tasman national park aboard our vessel 'Zeehaen'. I have also pioneered guided walks into the less visited regions of the national park aswell as a conservation based local scenic tour. I also provide education to school groups and special interest groups. I organise cleanup events and raise awareness on environmental issues. I provide technical services for organisations, specialising in conservation, pest control, marine and scientific diving. Show less

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  Tasman Bay Guardians and Abel Tasman Tree Collective

  May 2017 - now

  Director

  Founded an aquatic non-profit organisation focusing on community conservation, delivering marine and freshwaer education programmes and working in high level biodiversity strategies. Working with commercial tourism operators to help raise funds for carbon offset tree planting initiatives.

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  Tasman District Counci

  Nov 2019 - now

  Communications Manager - Tasman BioStrategy

  Managing content, public outreach and engagement for the Tasman Biostrategy working group. Creating internet content, promotional material, co-ordinating workshops and creating resources to facilitate the co-creation of the Tasman BioStrategy with Iwi, Council and the local community and stakeholders.