Keiko Hashiba
Senior Ecologist
Ahuriri Napier📍
Keiko Hashiba is a senior ecologist with 13 years of experience in terrestrial ecology. Since joining the Whirika team in 2022, she has contributed her expertise in ecosystem restoration, ecological impact assessments, and strategic biodiversity planning.
Before Whirika, Keiko worked in the pulp, paper, and forestry industries in Japan and Aotearoa, securing wood and fibre resources and leading strategic business development. She later transitioned to local government in Aotearoa, playing a key role in regional biodiversity protection and ecological monitoring.
Trained as a botanist, her interests are rooted in understanding plants and their interactions with other living organisms, including people. She is committed to helping communities restore their whenua and values, as well as identifying opportunities and pathways to realise their aspirations
Her previous work includes establishing long-term wetland networks in Hawke’s Bay, developing the Hawke’s Bay Regional Wetland Spatial Inventory, and leading the Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Action Plan. She currently leads research in the Hūnua Native Forest Restoration Project, (one of the largest native forest restorations in Aotearoa), focusing on transition forestry, environmental weed management, and long-term strategic planning.
Outside of work, Keiko spends her time restoring native forest on her own property, serving as a trustee for her local catchment group, and running.
Qualifications:
Master of Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Japan (2005)
Postgraduate Diploma in Planning, Massey University (2014)
Get In Touch!
keiko.hashiba@whirika.co.nz
027-277-1774