Our Trustees
Here, we invite you to meet our esteemed trustees, the architects behind the vision of the 11 11 Foundation.
Each trustee brings expertise, dedication, and passion to our collective endeavour, contributing to the realisation of our vision. From guiding principles to strategic initiatives, our trustees have played pivotal roles in shaping the foundation’s direction and impact.
As stewards of our shared vision, we honour and celebrate the dedication of our trustees, whose collective efforts drive positive change and empower our community to thrive.
Paul Van Dorp
Born in 1960 in Gisborne, Paul’s roots run deep in the farming community, growing up alongside his three brothers. His love for the land and community was instilled in him from a young age, spending countless hours hunting, fishing, and pitching in on the family farm.
In his early twenties, Paul embarked on a journey around the globe. Yet, upon returning to New Zealand, he was disheartened by the diminishing biodiversity, witnessing vast swathes of countryside succumbing to Pinus Radiata. It was then that his vision of one day owning his land took root and began to flourish.
In 2021, Paul took a leap and invested in 140ha of steep grade 7 farmland in the Kaipara Harbour and revitalised the land to an indigenous forest with every inch of it enveloped in 100% native New Zealand species.
Paul’s ambitions extended far beyond his property lines. In 2023, he created his brainchild BioBonds, inviting others to join him in the transformation of steep-grade farmland into flourishing native forests.
Chris Challinor
Drawing on over three decades of experience in the textile industry, my journey has spanned various facets including product development, manufacturing, and supplychain management, across both New Zealand and Australian Markets.
I am an advocate for the textile industry’s strides towards sustainability. It is heartening to witness the widespread adoption of eco-friendly materials such as upcycled cotton and polyester yarns, wood pulp derivatives, and innovative natural solutions for packaging, all aimed at mitigating our environmental impact.
I consider myself truly fortunate to be New Zealand born, growing up sailing and fishing with my father in the waters of the Waitematā. As a young man I walked the Milford Track which awakened me to the breathtaking beauty of our wonderful country and in turn ignited a lifelong passion for the environment and the preservation of our natural heritage.
In collaboration with my longstanding friend and BioBonds founder, Paul Van Dorp, I am indeed privileged to lend my support to our shared vision of regenerating native forests and leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.
James Van Dorp
James is no stranger to the call of environmental stewardship. With a degree in Environmental Management from the University of Otago under his belt, he’s forged a career path that intertwines his love for the planet with his professional pursuits in Life Science and Healthcare Supply Chain Management.
At the heart of James’s endeavours lies a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. His journey led him to the forefront of BioBonds Limited, an organisation on a mission to revolutionise the carbon landscape. Through reforestation initiatives, BioBonds aims to breathe new life into unproductive farmland across New Zealand, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
For James, his involvement with BioBonds isn’t just about business; it’s about igniting a spark of environmental consciousness within companies and individuals alike. His vision mirrors that of BioBonds: to combat carbon emissions by tangibly investing in the native flora of New Zealand, one tree at a time.
Joey Van Dorp
I’ve always prioritised caring for Mother Nature and the well-being of humanity. My early career ventures in industries like Telco, real estate, and hospitality left me feeling disconnected and drained, especially witnessing the excessive consumption and waste on luxury yachts. This experience sparked my journey to understand the connection between Earth and humanity.
A pivotal moment was witnessing the devastating impact of the palm oil industry on communities and biodiversity in Borneo. This experience fueled my dedication to protecting our planet and combating profit-driven exploitation.
Returning to New Zealand and later moving to Melbourne, Australia, I pursued studies in Nutrition while engaging with holistic health practices to heal myself. Volunteering with various organisations focused on environmental and health issues, I supported initiatives like Films for Change, Less Meat Less Heat app, and climate advocacy groups.
Additionally, I established a business promoting organic, probiotic foods to support human health and educate consumers about sustainable farming practices.
It’s alarming that only 27% of NZ remains forested, highlighting the urgent need for preservation and restoration efforts. We must prioritise collaboration and action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
James van Dorp
James van Dorp is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and a passion for making a positive impact on our planet. As a University of Otago Graduate in Environmental Management and subsequent profession in Life Science and Healthcare Supply Chain Management, James brings connection between commercial investment and sustainable initiatives.
He actively participates in BioBonds Limited, an organisation with a bold vision of leading change in the carbon arena. BioBonds is committed to reforestation with native trees, aiming to restore unproductive New Zealand farmland back to native forests, ensuring a clean and green future.
James’s involvement with BioBonds is driven by a desire to inspire companies of all sizes and individuals to engage in environmental biodiversity and restoration. His vision aligns perfectly with BioBonds’ mission to offset carbon emissions through tangible investments in native tree planting within New Zealand.
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