Our team

City Sanctuary staff are employed by the Dunedin City Council and are based in the Parks and Recreation team.

Kate Tanner

Project Manager

Kate is our Project Manager and has years of conservation experience in Dunedin. She has previously worked for the Halo Project, Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group, the Department of Conservation and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust. There isn’t a lot Kate doesn’t do: you’ll see her out installing traps, working with volunteers, engaging communities, and planning operations.

“Everyday I wake up and feel blessed that I am able to connect people to nature through the work we do. I am humbled and inspired by the positive changes we are collectively making to support, enhance and better Dunedin’s natural environs. We are so fortunate to live in this amazing part of the world.”

Elizabeth Franklyn (Lizzy)

Project Coordinator

Elizabeth joins the City Sanctuary team following the conclusion of her academic career. She has spent the last few years developing her knowledge around conservation and wildlife in New Zealand, while also volunteering in a range of conservation groups. She is passionate about the outdoors, the wildlife that inhabits it, and about connecting with communities and volunteers striving to protect New Zealand's unique environment. 

"I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to work within a team that's so passionate about protecting Dunedin's fauna and flora. Being a part of a community dedicated to creating a safe home within our city for Aotearoa's wildlife is such an amazing feeling. I am excited to see what we achieve over the next few years as we strive for a predator free Dunedin." 

Emily Peterson

Community Trapping Coordinator

Emily joins the City Sanctuary team from The Valley Project in North East Valley. She is passionate about supporting the community and taking positive local environmental action, and also loves to volunteer. Emily’s role comes from a contract City Sanctuary has with The Valley Project to help residents and volunteers get involved in predator control in Dunedin’s northern suburbs.

“I feel privileged and excited to work alongside the City Sanctuary team and wider community, taking steps to achieve this momentous environmental milestone of a predator free Dunedin!”

Athena Robinson

City Sanctuary Community Ranger

Athena joins the City Sanctuary team to assist the residents of Dunedin and the many volunteers that generously contribute their efforts towards helping to conserve our wildlife and our beautiful native environment.

“I feel extremely grateful to work alongside the many people who are passionate about our project and about preserving and protecting Dunedin’s beautiful flora and fauna.  I have been genuinely humbled by the amount of effort that is put in, not just in my team, but especially by the volunteers, in our community, so everyone can enjoy our beautiful spaces.”

Mammalian Corrections Unit (Contractors)

Mammalian Corrections Unit (MCU) is a predator control company based in Te Anau and Dunedin. MCU carries out a broad range of conservation fieldwork in the lower South Island and is City Sanctuary’s key contractor.

The MCU team have helped us design, set up and manage trap lines in urban parks and reserves. They also conduct our seasonal predator monitoring.