Executive Committee
Liam Prince – Chairperson
Liam began his zero waste journey travelling around Aotearoa with his partner Hannah Blumhardt as The Rubbish Trip, giving talks, presentations, and creating zero waste resources. Now based in Pōneke, Liam is currently working with the Zero Waste Network and Kaicycle. Liam sees APPA as a unique entity in Aotearoa providing zero waste solutions for the plastic pollution crisis and includes a broad spectrum of people and kaupapa relating to plastic pollution.
Dr. Helena Ruffell – Secretary
Helena is an environmental scientist who specialises in all things microplastics and waste! She recently completed her PhD investigating the inputs and impacts of microplastics to productive soils in Aotearoa from biowastes including biosolids and compost. Helena is also passionate about reducing waste in her day to day life and is always keen to keep learning!
Dr. Ursula Rojas-Nazar – Treasurer
Ursula has a personal concern for plastic pollution and is always keen to do better! Ursula holds a PhD in Marine Conservation and currently works at EPA focusing on protecting Aotearoa’s marine environment and way of life in the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf, while ensuring Aotearoa grows a strong and vibrant economy. During her spare time, she is conducting marine research to provide knowledge that supports better policies and management to protect our marine environments. Ursula previously served as APPA’s communications manager in 2020.
Lydia Chai – Advocacy Lead
Lydia Chai is an environmental lawyer based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Since 2021, she has campaigned widely to stop the export of plastic waste to developing countries, highlighting the adverse health and environmental effects the waste trade has in her home country Malaysia. She can be found on instagram @waste.feedback.nz.
Lorella Doherty – Communications
Living in Taranaki, Lorella is a Heart Based Plastic Educator and Artist. Her passion lies in inspiring people to be conscious of their plastic use and remembering their connection to Mother Earth; by awakening people’s heart and felt sense through her artwork, storytelling and projects. Studying Marine Biology and Environmental Science at Canterbury University she weaves science and passion together in all of her kaupapa.
Matt Peryman – Communications
Ko Putauaki te Maunga. Ko Rangitaiki te Awa. Ko Mataatua te Waka. Ko Ngāti Awa te Iwi. Ko Ngai Tamawera te Hapū. Ko Matt Peryman ahau.
Matt is a Kaupapa Māori social scientist and researcher based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Matt is closely involved in Global Plastics Treaty negotiations as coordinator of the Tāngata Whenua Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty (TWC), while continuing to work with organisations such as Reuse Aotearoa and Break Free From Plastic in the pursuit of social, ecological, and Indigenous justice.
