Siana Whatarau

Senior Environmental Partnership Coordinator @ National Environment Service | Project Planning

Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

About

As a Senior Environmental Partnership Coordinator at National Environment Service, I work on strategic partnerships and project planning for environmental protection and conservation in the Cook Islands. I have been involved in the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances as a National Ozone Officer since 2022, representing my country in regional and global UN meetings of parties to the protocol. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University of Wellington in 2021, majoring in Marine Biology and Environmental Science, and minoring in Statistics and Environmental Studies. I am passionate about using my scientific knowledge and skills to contribute to the sustainable development goals and address the environmental challenges facing the Pacific region. I have participated in various research projects and experiential programmes, such as the Arctic Voyage: Youth for the SDGs with Peace Boat US, and the Kōrero o te Ōrau NGO with Dr Teina Rongo, a renowned Cook Islands marine biologist.

Experience

  • National Environment Service (Cook Islands)
    • Senior Environmental Partnership Coordinator
      Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

    • Environmental Partnerships Coordinator
      Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

      National Environment Services Cook Islands

    • Environmental Partnerships Coordinator
      Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

      National Environment Services Cook Islands

  • Data Analyst Intern at Statistics New Zealand
    Nov 2021 - Jun 2022 · 8 mos

  • Public Relations Officer at Pasifika Students’ Council - VUW
    Jan 2021 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Summer Research Student at Greater Wellington Regional Council
    Nov 2020 - Feb 2021 · 4 mos