At the helm of the museum's outdoor education initiative, Treasuring Our Place | Taonga o te Taiao, is Tammy, a passionate advocate for environmental education.

Before relocating to the Bay of Plenty with her family, Tammy immersed herself in conservation as a Biodiversity ranger with the Department of Conservation. Stationed in the picturesque Nelson Lakes National Park, she played a pivotal role in the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project, undertaking a myriad of tasks ranging from monitoring pest animal traps to contributing to the preservation of kiwi populations through banding efforts.

For the past six years, Tammy has dedicated herself to conservation education, orchestrating a variety of outdoor nature programs throughout the Western Bay of Plenty. Her current focus lies in leading two to three nature-based themes annually for students in years 5 and 6 at Katikati Primary School. From exploring topics like Introduced Animal Pests to delving into the wonders of Healthy Forests and Rongoa (Maori plant medicine), Tammy cultivates a deep appreciation for the natural world among her young learners.

Tammy's enthusiasm for getting children outdoors and fostering a sense of wonder about nature mirrors her own love for the great outdoors—a place she affectionately refers to as her "happy place." Witnessing the joy and excitement as children discover the wonders of their local environment brings her immense satisfaction and reinforces her commitment to environmental education.