we.are.tohorā = we.are.whales
'tohorā' = (Māori, noun) an all-embracing term for whales
There exists a common bond between individuals and whales - be it through personal experiences, professional involvement, or spiritual connections.
Julia Graeter | Founder & CEO
| Whale Woman, Speaker & Thought Leader in Whaleness, B.A. Information designer, whale researcher, facilitator |
"My heart belongs to whales and people. Being a whale lover my whole life, living in Germany, it seemed impossible to me working with them. 2019 I left Germany for a yoga teacher training in Bali and I chose to come to New Zealand afterwards, a country surrounded by the deep ocean and whales. I believe whales have the power to touch hearts and create a change in us. But it is the people, the community, which is able to create a change for our blue planet. With that in mind I bring people together, with the love and passion for whales and our blue home and educate about the power of WHALENESS - wellbeing creadet by whales - for the planet and the people. My goal is happiness, health and freedom for the people and the whales. Let's create a change together!"
Ivan Ujdur | Volunteer
| Builder & Creative |
I've always been a bit of a wild child/nature lover, without truely realising the importance of natures inhabitants, the role they play in our ecosystems, and the profound influence these diverse ecosystems and fascinating lifeforms have had on me throughout my life. The understanding and connection to whales being a "big" one. Bringing people together to share this deeper understanding of self and surroundings, and the effect it can have on us all through connection and conservation, is so important. I am proud to be a part of the We are Tohora community, it is the perfect place to combine passion, knowledge and self-awareness.
Gloria Harvey | Volunteer
| Statistical and Data analyst |
"I am constantly inspired by the power of nature to connect, nurture and heal us. Humans are not apart from it, and to protect the environment is to protect ourselves. As humans, our power to make positive change is limitless, and this starts by creating communities with shared hope and vision. One of the greatest examples of this is the people-led movement that resulted in the banning of whaling in 1986; together, we can make a difference! I am so excited to be a part of the we.are.tohorā community, I can't wait to see what we can do together!"
Sarah Hosking | Volunteer
| Veterinary Nurse, Whale lover and animal advocate |
"Whales awaken our hearts and connection to them makes us better human beings..
Tohora are kin in all the ways that matter..they naturally model cooperation, communication and calm, helping us access our peace ..from here we can promote peace in our world.
A qualified Veterinary Nurse, Whale lover and animal advocate ive been inspired by the oceans and Earth forever.. my earliest memories 52yrs ago, are listening to whalesong in a dusty school hall while my mother spoke inspiring groups as a Whale Conservation Educator.
Volunteering to help humans understand and return their hearts to nature is baked in and i am honored to be helping we.are.tohora raise awareness for the love of Whales, oceans and people."
Cooper | Volunteer
| Furry mood supporter |
"Woof Woof... I’m the four-legged member of the we.are.tohorā team. Life is best when it’s spent outdoors: running along beaches, sniffing salty sea air, and watching the big blue world out there.
In my dog life I’ve been lucky enough to see orca, humpback whales, sperm whales, fin whales, southern right whales, hector’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and maaaany dusky dolphins. And I gotta tell you – they are seriously cool and absolutely worth protecting!
Whether from the boat or the shore, I love the ocean! And when things get tricky or a bit challenging, I help keep the team smiling."
Let's unite and share our passion to make a positive impact.
Ready to JOIN the party?
Get in contact with us if you'd like to join as a volunteer and share your skills and passion for whales: