Meet the Team
The Nelson Underwater Club has had numerous amazing people volunteer their time since it started in the 50s. We couldn’t run the club without them.
We have opportunities for people to join the committee!
If you are interested in joining the committee or other club governance matters, please get in touch. We would love to have you involved.
President
TOM KARSTENSEN
Born in Norway and raised in New Zealand, Tom has a strong connection with the ocean from birth, and enjoys diving, spearfishing, sailing, and fishing. Tom has had a varied professional life, gathering a wide range of experience in the built environment, business strategy and governance support across several industries in New Zealand and Australia. Graduating with a Bachelor of Forestry Science in 2012, Tom began work in that sector before cutting his own path by starting, building, and exiting several small businesses.
From 2017 to 2020, Tom worked primarily in property consulting between Christchruch, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and continues to work in the property sector today. In 2021 Tom became the President of the Nelson Underwater Club and has been working with a wonderful and engaged committee to breathe new life into the club. Tom is currently studying his Masters in Property Practice at Auckland University.
Vice President
CAROLINE GILBERTSON
Born in Auckland, raised in Motueka, studied in Tauranga, and working in Nelson, Caroline is a long time local and keen scuba diver. She studied marine biology and conservation and has since worked in the aquaculture sector.
She is currently the Environment and Sustainability Coordinator at Aquaculture NZ, and previously worked as an aquaculture technician and teacher at NMIT. She is also one of the founders of Women of Aquaculture Aotearoa - https://www.woaaotearoa.org/