At East Coast Exchange (ECX), we believe the best way to tell our story is through the voices of the people shaping it—because ECX is the network, and the network is us. Whether it’s through shared experiences, fresh perspectives, or the work we do together, ECX thrives on collaboration and storytelling that brings our mission to life. At our core, we stand for Empowering Regional Regeneration with Innovative Resource Models for Frontline Action—a kaupapa that underpins everything we do.

Few people articulate this better than Ralph Chivers. Whether it’s his deep involvement with ECX, his background in governance and technology, or his leadership in complex systems like Toha, Ralph brings a clarity to ECX’s mission that cuts through the layers. He and his partner, Maree, have also walked Paikea’s trail, connecting them deeply to the region and its people—knowing firsthand what it means to be out on the whenua at Te Kautuku. That’s why we sat down with him for a kōrero—to capture his perspective on what we’re doing, where we’re going, and why it matters.

Q&A WITH RALPH

ECX: If you had to explain East Coast Exchange in an elevator pitch, what would it be?

RALPH: East Coast Exchange was born out of Cyclone Gabrielle. It started as a way to recognise and fund the people on the ground doing the work—those stepping up to respond in real-time. That core idea is at the heart of the Toha system: a platform that connects funding to verified action. Unlike traditional systems, we don’t just rely on promises. We track proof—evidence that the impact is real, measurable, and valuable.

ECX: How did you first get involved with Toha and ECX?

RALPH: I’ve been involved with Toha since its early days, after working with Nathalie Whitaker, Co-founder of Toha Network, when she was leading Give A Little. I was in Gisborne when the cyclone hit - experiencing first hand the impact on the community. The idea for ECX emerged from Natthalie’s Give-a-little and Toha experiences. Having a background in incident management, I helped organise the Toha response as it became ECX. By that Wednesday, the team was driving around with sticky notes, and by the next week, we had an online presence. That’s how ECX started—out of necessity and a drive to make sure work on the ground got the support it deserved.

ECX: What role do you play in ECX today?

RALPH: I’m the Chair of East Coast Exchange. That means working with Renee (Raroa) and the team to guide our growth, keep us aligned with our mission, and help build the trust and structures we need to scale.

Working with Toha and across East Coast Exchange, it is very much a startup environment—job descriptions can change week to week. But at the end of the day, I’m just here to help out, roll my sleeves up, and do what needs to be done. It’s an all-hands-on-deck kaupapa where we’re all committed to the cause. We’re building something bigger than ourselves, and that means everyone pitches in however they can.

ECX: What are the biggest challenges ECX is tackling?

RALPH: The biggest challenge is trust—ensuring that when people invest in environmental projects, they can be confident that their money is making a real impact. Traditionally, a lot of funding works on faith: “Give me money, and I’ll plant trees.” But ECX works differently. We introduce a proof element—real data that shows the work happened and that the environmental impact is tangible.

ECX: What is ECX’s long-term vision?

RALPH: We want ECX to be the gold standard for connecting investment with verified action. That means expanding our reach, refining our proof systems, and ensuring that when someone funds a project, they know exactly what their contribution has achieved. The long-term goal is to create a system that is scalable, transparent, and impactful, so that communities and investors alike see the value in what we’re building.

ECX: How does cybersecurity and data sovereignty play into ECX’s work?

RALPH: Security is non-negotiable. We handle valuable information, so the integrity of that data is critical. We had a cybersecurity firm test our systems early on, and they came out strong. Data sovereignty is another key piece—people should control their own data. Unlike big tech, which monetises user data, our goal is the opposite: individuals and communities decide what happens with their data, and if there’s value in it, they benefit—not us.

ECX: What’s your message to potential investors?

RALPH: Investing in ECX is about believing in a long-term vision. We’re still in the early stages, but the foundations are there. We need partners who see the value in funding verified environmental impact—those who recognise that connecting real action with real investment isn’t just good for the planet, but also a sustainable model for change.

ECX: What is something people might not know about ECX?

RALPH: A lot of people don’t realise how quickly we moved after Cyclone Gabrielle. What started as an immediate response turned into a fully operational exchange in a matter of weeks. That speed and adaptability are a testament to the people behind ECX and their commitment to making a real difference.

ECX: What makes you proud of the work ECX is doing?

RALPH: It’s the connection to the community. ECX isn’t just about big environmental goals—it’s about supporting local people, backing real projects, and making a difference that’s tangible. I’m proud it was born in Tairāwhiti. I’m proud it’s led from Tairāwhiti. And I’m proud that people see the potential in what we’re building.

ECX: WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED SO FAR

Cyclone Gabrielle Response – Mobilised funding and support for ground-level recovery efforts.
Resilience and Biodiversity Projects – Helping fund and track real environmental impact.
A Growing Community – More organisations and individuals joining ECX to connect funding with verified action.

Ralph lives and breathes what ECX is all about—clarity, real impact, and a drive to build something that truly makes a difference. His insights are a great reminder of why we do what we do: making sure environmental work isn’t just talked about but actually happens.

If that resonates with you and you want to be part of the journey, reach out. Let’s power up regional regeneration!

MAHI THAT MATTERS: THE INSIDE WORD