GUE Team NZ

Russell Hughes (intern/author)

I am a passionate technical diver and Instructor. I hold instructor ratings with both PADI and TDI. Certified to GUE Cave 2 and Tech 1+ level and to TDI Advanced trimix and Full cave my interest is very much in the areas of challenging open circuit diving. Diving professionally for the last 6 years I have had the opportunity to work in various different countries and manage ship based diving operations in the private yachting industry as well as has being involved in GUE projects both here and overseas . Residing full time in NZ I have started on the road to teaching for GUE and growing the community of well skilled capable divers in this awesome diving location.

Jamie Obern (GUE IT/Mentor)

Jamie is a keen technical diver, with an avid interest in cave and wreck penetration. He is the only GUE instructor in New Zealand and is GUE Cave 2 and Tech 2 qualified. He is also the only cave diving instructor in NZ, holding the TDI Full Cave Instructor rating. He makes regular cave diving trips to Mexico, Florida, Europe and Australia and is actively involved in cave exploration in New Zealand. Jamie has been diving since 1988, instructing since 1997 and holds instructor ratings with GUE, TDI, DSAT, BSAC and PADI. He is one of the few instructors in NZ who can teach the Advanced Wreck specialty courses and in addition to the overhead environment courses he is also qualified to teach open circuit trimix classes.

Mel Jeavons (Tech Dive NZ/Intern)

Mel is my fellow intern and one of the most qualified female technical divers in New Zealand, being certified at both GUE Tech 2 and Cave 2 levels. Having been diving since a University student, Mel has dived extensively around the world, including running a marine science project for 2 years on a remote pacific island. Mel holds instructor ratings with BSAC, PADI and the Handicapped Scuba Association. Mel is actively involved in cave exploration in NZ and is one of the few instructors in NZ who can teach cavern specialty courses.

Rob Wilson (GUE NZ, Ghostfishing NZ)

Rob is a dedicated member of the GUE team here in NZ a passionate diver and conservationist. He has been involved with projects here including the exploration of the Blue creek resurgence and the Wellington Harbour Clean up. He has now set his sights on bringing Ghost fishing here to NZ and raising awareness of critical issues that concern all of us! As well as his continuing work with these areas he is also a photographic specialist owning and operating Frontline photography.

James Crocker (Oceans Alive, GUE Intern)

James is a long standing member of GUE NZ and an active conservationist, A key member of the Blue Creek project for many years and dedicated explorer of New Zealand both above and below the water. Name a worthy cause and James will undoubtedly be there to assist be it KASM or working with DOC to better promote the natural wonders of this magnificent country. James is working towards his GUE Fundamentals instructor at present and looking at developing the community both in the Taranaki and the Bay of Plenty regions.