Since 2020, we have helped restore biodiversity on four islands within the Hauraki Gulf.

Our story.

Welcome to Free The Tree Ltd, where conservation meets passion and perseverance! We're Richard and Rose Margesson, the dynamic duo behind this venture, and we can't wait to share our story with you.

So, why did we jump headfirst into the world of biosecurity and conservation, you ask? Well, let's rewind the clock ten years. Picture this: Richard, a former Army officer turned clinical hypnotherapist, embarked on an epic tramp down the length of New Zealand. His mission? To see if immersing himself in nature could vanquish the post-traumatic stress that had carried over from his military days.

And guess what? It worked! Not only did he find solace among the trees, the streams and the mountains but he discovered his true calling.

Wave goodbye to psychotherapy and say hello to a life lived outdoors. We moved to Waiheke Island and Richard began to volunteer for local community conservation groups. His volunteer escapades swiftly blossomed into a full-fledged role as the Team Leader of an eco-restoration crew. But when corporate red tape started cramping his style, Rose, the genius with a business acumen that could rival a corporate suit, stepped onto the scene.

In March 2020, amid a global pandemic and all its lockdowns and restrictions, we seized the moment and birthed Free The Tree Ltd. Local to the core, we were determined to infuse our island paradise with the magic of conservation.

Auckland Council, community groups, and private landowners quickly took notice, and before we knew it, our modest team of two grew into a powerhouse of eight plus a small but mighty admin squad.

From Waiheke to Rakino, Motutapu to the Noises Islands group, Free The Tree's reach expanded like a well-watered sapling. Richard brought his military mojo into the mix, revolutionizing the way conservation is done. Think of it as a strategic battle plan, only instead of foes, we're tackling invasive species and habitat degradation. Fast, efficient, and thorough – that's how we roll.

But Richard isn't just a conservation whiz. When he's not knee-deep in flora and fauna, he can be found serving as co-Chair of the Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust or rubbing shoulders with the Island’s conservation champions at the Waiheke Collective. 

So, here we are – Rose and Richard, your partners in preserving paradise, freeing one tree at a time. Whether we're eradicating pests, restoring ecosystems, or standing up for those who serve, we're driven by a shared passion and a deep love for our island home. Join us on this wild ride called conservation, where every tree we free and every milestone we achieve is a victory worth celebrating. Together, we're sowing the seeds of a greener, healthier future for all.

Meet the Team

  • Richard Margesson

    DIRECTOR and OPS MANAGER

    With a diverse background that spans the military and mental health, I've experienced first hand the transformative power of nature on our well-being.💚

    When I'm not busy leading our team on outdoor adventures, you can find me engaged in community service or cherishing quality time with my loved ones. 🤝👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

  • Rose Margesson

    FOUNDER and ADMIN MANAGER

    As an enterprising soul, I've proudly built and nurtured an international jewellery business and a serene Yoga studio. 🌺

    🌱 When I'm not busy at Free The Tree, you'll find me indulging in my two great passions: 🥗 healthy food and my incredible family. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 My children and grandchildren are the sunshine in my life, and I cherish every moment spent with them. 🌞

  • Valentino "Tino" Escalona

    DATABASE MANAGER

    Mapping & Database Pro 🗺️ | Joined Free The Tree in 2021 🌱 | Entrepreneur and Airtable expert ✍️ | Proud family man 💪 | Into gardening, working in the greenhouse, hiking, yoga and being outdoors 🏔️

  • Maria "Paz" Lemoine Pinedo

    FIELD TEAM LEADER

    Paz "Pachu" Pinedo 🌿 Team Leader @ Free The Tree | Joined Free The Tree in Sep 2021 |🔒 Biosecurity Warrant, Growsafe, First Aid, Chainsaw certified |⚽️ Striker for Waiheke Women's Football team ⚡️ | Passionate about nature, football, and helping others

  • Emmanuel "Manu" Canete

    FIELD TEAM MEMBER

    Captain of Waiheke Football Team ⚽️ | Joined Free The Tree in May 2022 | Green Thumb and Plant ID expert 🌿 | Join me on my outdoor adventures with @FreeTheTree | Let's grow together 🌱

  • Ignacio "Chichu" Olmos

    FIELD TEAM MEMBER

    Ignacio "Chichu" Olmos 🌿 | National Jui Jitsu Champ 🥋 | Joined Free The Tree in Jan 2022 | Biosecurity Warrant Holder🌱 | Growsafe & Chainsaw Qualified 🔧 | Outdoor lover, tight-knit team player 🌳

  • Javier "Xavi" Ferreirat

    FIELD TEAM MEMBER

    Rugby fanatic 🥋 | Joined Free The Tree in April 2023 | Outdoor Enthusiast 🌿 | Ropes Access Certified 🔝 | Join me on my journey at Free The Tree 🌱 | Let's tackle life's challenges together! 💪

  • Consuelo "Consu" Toro

    FIELD TEAM MEMBER

    🌱 Free The Tree team member since May 2023 | 🌳 Outdoor enthusiast | Dances for fun and fitness | 🌍 Dedicated to making a difference | 👇 Join our green revolution!

  • Louve Pharand-Doucet

    FIELD TEAM MEMBER

    Joined Free The Tree in May 2024 | Gardener and Dancer | Loves working outdoors | Plays cello at the Ostend Market | Power to a peaceful connection with Mother Earth!