Meet the women protecting Canterbury’s coast and waterways

Some days, Oonagh Daly’s office is underwater.

As a coastal management advisor, Oonagh can move quickly from drafting coastal policy to diving, guided by years of firsthand experience as a technician, diver and skipper on national marine surveillance programmes. That background means she understands the coastal environment not just on paper, but from time spent working in it.

Oonagh works closely with people who use the coast - from boaties to other agencies - helping build awareness of biosecurity risks and encouraging better care of coastal ecosystems. Her ongoing involvement with Coastguard Canterbury also brings a practical safety lens to her work.

"I get to dive and look for invasive species as well as write about them," she says. "That connection between what’s happening underwater and how we manage it on land is really powerful."

Before a decision is made about Canterbury’s coast, the answers often start in the water.

As scientists in the surface water quality ecology team, Melanie Burns and Kate Schimanski focus on monitoring coastal water quality and marine ecosystems. The information that Melanie, Kate and the monitoring team gather helps guide many of our decisions about how coastal areas are managed.

Melanie and Kate work closely with teams across the organisation, as well as rūnanga, councils, consultants and the public, helping turn scientific data into practical advice.

“The value of science is in how it’s used,” says Melanie. “My role is about making sure the information we collect supports good decisions and positive environmental outcomes.”

Melanie and Kate also help keep Canterbury’s coastal work aligned with national research and new developments.

“People are often surprised by how much coastal monitoring we do, and how important that long term data is for managing the marine environment day to day,” Melanie says.

When maritime incidents occur, decisions need to be made quickly, clearly and under pressure - and Emma Parr is trained to lead in those moments.

As an on scene commander for marine oil spills at both regional and national levels, Emma coordinates responses to maritime incidents, working closely with partner agencies and stakeholders to limit environmental damage and keep people safe. Her role sits at the centre of complex, fast‑moving situations where strong communication and coordination are critical.

Emma brings a background in Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) and pollution response, experience that has shaped her ability to operate calmly and effectively in dynamic conditions. That foundation made the move into maritime incident response a natural progression, where teamwork and trust are essential.

"Progressing into this role has come from taking opportunities as they arise and being willing to step forward," she says. "Each response, exercise and training opportunity has built experience and confidence over time. I’ve learned that while conviction and enthusiasm open doors, it’s respect and kindness that keep them open."

Before most people notice a problem on the water, Olivia Ungerboeck is already dealing with it.

As a coast and harbours ranger, Olivia spends much of her time out on Canterbury’s rivers, lakes and harbours, helping keep them safe and operating as they should. From maintaining navigation aids to clearing obstacles, supporting monitoring work and responding to maritime incidents, her days are shaped by what the waterways need at that moment.

Covering a region that spans Kaikōura to Timaru, and reaches inland to Twizel, Olivia’s role calls for flexibility, practical problem‑solving and strong teamwork. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an unexpected response, her work helps ensure waterways remain safe and accessible for the communities that use them.

"It’s a really varied role, which I love," says Olivia. "One day you’re cleaning buoys or pulling debris out of the harbour, the next you’re helping with an oil spill response or looking for invasive species."

When it comes to shaping how Canterbury’s coast is managed long‑term, Terri Huxtable is often working several steps ahead.

As a senior coastal management advisor, Terri operates at a strategic level, helping guide work that supports marine biodiversity, strengthens biosecurity and balances sustainable coastal use across Canterbury - and in some cases, further afield. Her focus is on building partnerships and setting up projects that deliver real, lasting outcomes for coastal environments.

Terri’s work spans everything from supporting marine biosecurity surveillance and response, to providing advice under the Resource Management Act (RMA) and working alongside partners to turn environmental priorities into action. She also leads RMA compliance work for the Chatham Islands Council contract, where we provide regional council services - a role that highlights the wide reach of coastal management.

“It’s a unique and rewarding part of the job,” she says. “It really shows how varied and wide‑reaching coastal management can be.” 

Safe access to Canterbury’s waterways depends on everyday decisions that often happen behind the scenes.  

As harbourmaster, Tina Jackson leads navigation safety across the region’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Her role includes managing maritime risks and leading responses to on‑water incidents alongside the on scene commander. She works closely with coast and harbours rangers, partner agencies and water users to support both safety and access.

“The role of harbourmaster is about keeping people safe while recognising how important our waterways are to the community,” Tina says. “Whether people are working on the water or enjoying it recreationally, my focus is on making sure everyone can do so safely, now and into the future.”