Director and Principal Scientist (BSc, PGDipSci, PhD)

Greg has over 20 years of experience in freshwater ecology consulting and environmental research and is a certified Resource Management Act hearing commissioner. He ‘cut his teeth’ as a technician at NIWA in Hamilton, before honing his skills at respected companies here in Christchurch and further afield in British Columbia, Canada.

These days, his work week is spent looking after the Instream team and their clients, managing projects, providing technical advice and serving as an expert witness. A West Coaster at heart, he’s never far from the outdoors, spending his spare time spearfishing, surfing or dominating the slopes by foot, bike or ski.

Scientist (BSc, PhD)

Originally from Ōtautahi, Christchurch, Ben is a freshwater ecologist who splits his time between the field — monitoring fish and collecting environmental data — and the office, where he turns that data into reports and research papers. His PhD focused on migratory galaxiids — or 'whitebait' — and he’s since applied that expertise to habitat restoration and species management projects. An avid outdoorsman, Ben enjoys free-diving, fishing, and exploring New Zealand’s beaches and forests. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll often find him befriending a dog or tinkering with his aquarium.

Scientist (BSc, MSc)

Faline grew up on a lifestyle block in Hawke’s Bay before heading to Massey University in Auckland for her studies. Her career has spanned both terrestrial and freshwater ecology, with experience ranging from pest and vegetation monitoring to a stint in Canada, where she built instream flow models for at-risk fish species. At Instream, Faline’s work focuses on project design and preparation, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Outside of work, she’s always on the move — trail running, playing hockey, hiking, or travelling. A fan of craft beer, she lives by the “do the mahi, get the treats” philosophy

Principal Scientist (BSc, PGDipSci , MSc)

Laura is one of Instream’s two Principal Scientists, bringing over 15 years of experience to the team. Like Greg, she began her career at NIWA before heading to Alberta, Canada, where she worked on major infrastructure projects.

After returning to Christchurch, she spent five years leading an ecology team at a prominent environmental consultancy before joining Instream in her current role. Laura’s work spans client and project management, stakeholder consultation, technical advice (including effects assessments), reporting, and providing expert evidence at hearings.

Outside of work, she makes the most of the outdoors — exploring with her son and dog or turning up the pace snowboarding, hiking, or paddleboarding.

Scientist (BSc, PGDipSci, MSc)

Though he hails from Rochester, New York, Derek is not your typical city slicker. Evidently most comfortable when in the water, his varied career includes time spent as a dive master and fisheries observer. Intent on using his skills for the good of the environment, he returned to study and gained a Master's degree from UC.

In 2022, Derek joined the Instream team, which he describes as ‘small but mighty’. When he’s not out ‘in the field’, he’s still outdoors (much like the rest of the team) mountain biking, kayaking … or chasing after his young daughter.

Administrator  (BBus, Xero Certified)

Gemma is our administrator - and operational backbone. With a background in accounting, she takes care of the day-to-day finances and keeps projects on track by handling the details in our management systems.

As the only admin in an office full of scientists, she brings energy, order, and plenty of banter. Outside of work, if she’s not chasing after her toddler, you might find her on the netball court, camping, or out on a long walk.

Scientist (BSc, MSc)

Clinton is a small-town Cantabrian who is most ‘at home’ in the great outdoors. After completing a data-based thesis at UC to gain his Master’s degree, he dove headfirst into freshwater ecology and now has over 5 years of professional experience.

Clinton has been part of the Instream team since 2020 and spends a typical work week collecting, analysing, and reporting on environmental data from waterways. His out-of-office hours are spent in his garden or on a football pitch … or - weather permitting- surfing or sailing.