Our people & community
When you join the BioBonds family, you invest in connection, community, and people. Here, you’ll meet the incredible people behind our mission and see how your investment impacts not only the land but the lives of those who care for it.
Every collaborator has played a vital role in bringing BioBonds to life.
We honor all our family members, from the dedicated team at the native tree nursery to our Green Team (planting team/local iwi), council partners, businesses, and ecologists. Together, we’re building a brighter, more sustainable future—one bond at a time.
Paul Van Dorp
In 2021, Paul invested in Tāmata Hills, embarking on a journey of discovery and connection with people and the land.
A key player in this journey was KMR, whose support was instrumental in establishing connections and securing grant funding. Paul credits their dedication in helping bring his vision to life. With backing from the Council and Kauri Park, the project gained momentum, leading to the successful purchase, covenanting, and planting of Tāmata Hills in 100% New Zealand native species.
Paul’s love for the land runs deep. Born in Gisborne in 1960, he grew up in a farming community, surrounded by hard-working relatives who taught him to value both land and people. Hunting, fishing, and helping on the farm were integral parts of his upbringing.
In his twenties, Paul traveled the world, but upon returning to New Zealand, he was saddened by the loss of biodiversity and the spread of Pinus Radiata. This sparked a dream to reclaim and restore land to its native glory.
That dream became a reality with the purchase of Tāmata Hills. What started as a personal passion grew into a larger mission. In 2023, Paul launched BioBonds, empowering others to join the movement of transforming steep farmland into thriving native forests.
With BioBonds, Paul is connecting people, restoring biodiversity, and building a sustainable legacy for future generations.
“I came back to New Zealand because it’s the best country in the world”
– Paul Van Dorp
Kyria Mailman
Kyria, the co-founder of BioBonds, brings a deep connection to people and the planet to the heart of the company’s mission. Her passion for sustainability and environmental preservation has driven her to create meaningful change through BioBonds, empowering others to join the movement for a better future.
Her global travels revealed the profound impact of nature on mental well-being and environmental health. These experiences solidified Kyria’s dedication to reconnecting people with the land and fostering a collective sense of responsibility for the planet.
For Kyria, BioBonds is more than a company—it’s a movement. By inspiring and enabling people to take action, she is demonstrating that peace, happiness, and healing are achievable when humanity and nature work in harmony.
A dedicated steward of the Earth, Kyria has devoted her life and career to this vital cause. Through BioBonds, she envisions a future where people honor the planet’s gifts, protect its beauty, and leave it thriving for generations to come.
Kelly George
Kelly George is a strategic thinker with a strong passion for operations, dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet for future generations. Her extensive experience and expertise make her an invaluable member of the BioBonds team.
Kelly’s decision to join BioBonds is driven by her desire to give back and play an active role in creating a more sustainable future. Her commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with BioBonds’ mission. Her strategic mindset and operations expertise make her an asset to our team as we work together to create a greener and more sustainable future.
At BioBonds, we believe in the power of people to drive positive change. Kelly’s dedication exemplifies our commitment to connecting people with the land and fostering a community focused on environmental stewardship.
By joining BioBonds, Kelly is not only contributing her skills to a meaningful cause but also becoming part of a movement that empowers people to make a tangible difference in the world. Her involvement underscores the importance of people working together to achieve sustainability and environmental preservation.
Through her role at BioBonds, Kelly is helping to build a future where people and nature coexist harmoniously, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.
Louis Sammons
Louis brings a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and content creation to BioBonds, where his passion for sustainability and the environment aligns with the company’s mission. As part of BioBonds, he is proud to contribute to regenerating the whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand and restoring it to its natural state.
Originally from Aotea Great Barrier Island, Louis grew up surrounded by native flora and fauna, which fostered his deep connection to the land. He hopes that, through BioBonds, more people across New Zealand will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of our native bush for generations to come.
At BioBonds, we believe in the power of people to drive positive environmental change. Louis’s dedication highlights the role people play in protecting and regenerating the natural world, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Planting Team
Green Team Kaipara was founded in 2017 by Kaipara born brothers Tane and Whetu Henderson in partnership with Kauri Park Nurseries. The brothers have remained connected with the whenua and uphold strong values within Kaitiakitanga, collectively being the foundation for The Green Team and its vision for a cleaner and more sustainable New Zealand.
“We use our skills and knowledge about the land and indigenous planting and placement methods to help generate the most effective and productive growth for native plants and trees.” – Tane Henderson
“Green Team Kaipara first met Paul and his team in 2022 when we were tasked with taking grade seven, steep mountainous land and finding the right placement for the natives to achieve the most harmonious growth outcomes. This was an amazing project to be a part of and by involving our team of planters from our local area, we immediately felt connected to this project and its purpose. Our crew proudly planted the 820,000 trees for this project. We were out there every day, planting for a better, more sustainable future and a cleaner greener Aotearoa”.- Tane Henderson
Planting Teams
Green Team
Green Team Kaipara was founded in 2017 by Kaipara born brothers Tane and Whetu Henderson in partnership with Kauri Park Nurseries. The brothers have remained connected with the whenua and uphold strong values within Kaitiakitanga, collectively being the foundation for The Green Team and its vision for a cleaner and more sustainable New Zealand.
“We use our skills and knowledge about the land and indigenous planting and placement methods to help generate the most effective and productive growth for native plants and trees.” – Tane Henderson
“Green Team Kaipara first met Paul and his team in 2022 when we were tasked with taking grade seven, steep mountainous land and finding the right placement for the natives to achieve the most harmonious growth outcomes. This was an amazing project to be a part of and by involving our team of planters from our local area, we immediately felt connected to this project and its purpose. Our crew proudly planted the 820,000 trees for this project. We were out there every day, planting for a better, more sustainable future and a cleaner greener Aotearoa”.- Tane Henderson