About us

We use the power of the law to protect the natural taonga of Aotearoa. We hold polluters, corporate interests, and regulators to account.

Our position is that in Aotearoa New Zealand we already have laws to protect the environment, but too often these laws are ignored or poorly implemented. We’re changing that.

Founded in 2019 we’re a registered charitable trust, with a small team of researchers and lawyers. We are financially supported by philanthropic trusts and donations from members of the public. You can support our work by making a donation here.

If you want to make a confidential tip-off about potential breaches of environmental law that may be relevant to our work, click here to email us. We will treat your information as confidential unless you say otherwise.

The best way to keep up with our mahi is by signing up to our newsletter.

Our people

  • A bullers mollyhawk with gray wings and a yellow beak flying over blue water, with hills or mountains in the background.

    Anna Sintenie

    SENIOR RESEARCHER

    Anna trained in law and environmental sciences and began her legal career focussing on natural resources and public law. Her work has focussed on protections for freshwater and habitats.

    Anna has a fascination for the natural world, and particularly Aotearoa's unique and interconnected freshwater ecosystems.

  • A hihi stitchbird perched on a tree branch in a green forest.

    Megan Cornforth-Camden

    SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR

    Megan has experience working in a broad range of areas. Her recent work has centered on advancing environmental protection through the effective use of the law.

  • A gannet landing on a beach with grasses in the background.

    Reto Blattner de-Vries

    LEGAL ADVISOR

    Reto was raised and educated in Rawene, South Hokianga, and has previous experience in Māori land law, mātauranga Māori and Māori fisheries.

    Reto is particularly interested in Māori Environmental Law as well as increasing Māori representation within the New Zealand legal system.

  • A piwauwau rock wren standing on a rocky surface with reddish-orange markings.

    Eliza Prestidge-Oldfield

    SENIOR LEGAL RESEARCHER

    Eliza has extensive experience in government and politics, with a particular focus on environmental law. Prior to joining ELI, she held senior leadership roles for the Green Party in Parliament, first as the Director of Policy and Research and then Chief of Staff.

    She has also previously worked at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Law Commission, and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts.

    Outside of work, she loves tramping with her two sons – instilling a love of te taiao in the next generation.