A leader and change-maker through story-telling, Nicola Toki has held high-profile conservation leadership roles within in the public, corporate and NGO sector.
Nicola has demonstrated a history in leadership, strategic communications, and relationship management. Her real strength is in building engagement and action through strong partnerships that create positive outcomes.
Nicola believes that if it's boring it's not working, and is known for her creative work in traditional media, digital campaigns and building longstanding profile and partnerships with broadcast media.
Nicola has held a variety of high profile leadership roles, including as New Zealand's Threatened Species Ambassador, and as Chief Executive of Forest & Bird, where she led the organisation into its 100th year of standing up for nature. Nicola is now a leadership and strategy consultant, focusing on supporting other leaders with the opportunities and challenges that come with being at the top table.
With a lifelong love of nature documentaries, and a post-graduate diploma in Natural History Filmmaking and Communication, Nicola has been able to bring her passion for wildlife to the screen on many occasions, most recently in the TVNZ series "Endangered Species Aotearoa", where Nicola joined comedian Pax Assadi on a journey of discovery to learn about the vulnerable and fascinating wildlife species found in Aotearoa and the South Pacific. She also hosts a much-loved weekly RNZ show "Critter of the Week" with Jesse Mulligan, where she introduces a collection of uncharismatic but lovable members of NZ's wildlife community. This led to the publication of her gorgeously illustrated book titled "Critters of Aotearoa."
Nicola brings insight, humour and emotional depth to every setting, from boardrooms to festival stages. There's practical optimism and a can-do attitude in everything she does
Talking Points
Leadership
Leading people is a privilege and responsibility that is challenging in ways no-one ever tells you. Sometimes it's joyful, often it's frustrating and there are times when it's completely bonkers. How to keep your head and heart when the pressure is on.
Leadership
Nature
Despite 87% of NZers living in towns and cities, we have an internationally recognised connection to our native wildlife and wild places, that is not seen in most other countries. Learn why our national identity, and the key to NZ's ongoing prosperity is inextricably linked to the wildlife and places we love, and how we can protect nature so she protects us.
Nature
Audio
Nicola was warm, engaging, tailored her content to the audience and bought the house down. ... keep reading New Zealand Post Primary Teachers Association | Te Wehengarua
