1999 AUCKLAND CONSERVATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Conservation Minister Nick Smith today announced appointments to the Auckland Conservation Board with effect from 1 September 1999.

"Conservation boards have a unique role to play within the public conservation sector. They are independent bodies providing for important interaction between the community and the Department of Conservation on local conservation issues."

"I am very pleased to be appointing people who I believe will make a positive contribution to the Auckland Conservation Board's work. These people bring a diversity of new skills which will both complement those already represented on the board, and have relevance to the issues the board will face in the immediate future."

"The contributions of outgoing members are appreciated and will be missed. However, changes in board membership are essential in ensuring others get a chance to have some input into the decision-making process on local conservation issues. The new board has a healthy mix of new blood as well as continuity from experienced members."

1999 Appointments:
John Gale is a part-time shop manager from Oratia. He has recently retired as chairperson of the Miranda Naturalist Trust. Mr Gale has a strong association with this organisation the Ornithological Society of NZ and brings these interests as well as a life long interest in the environment and conservation in general to the board.

Alan La Roche (MBE) is a museum director and comes from Howick. He brings a strong interest in historic heritage and recreational matters to the board.

Patricia (Paddy) Stafford-Bush is a community board chairperson from Bayswater. She brings a range of skills to the board through her work in the community, her understanding of resource management and environmental issues and her recreation interests.

Liane Ngamane is a student and iwi resource management advisor from Auckland and has been re-appointed for a second term. She brings an understanding of resource management laws and generic issues in conservation management and a iwi perspective to the board.

Bill Burrill, farmer, of Papatoetoe has been re-appointed for a one year term. He brings to the board a strong interest in pest management, rural and Hauraki Gulf issues and local government experience.

Continuing Members:
David Hill, resource management consultant, Titirangi
Anne Fenn, self-employed in environmental and resource management, Mt Albert
Mel Galbraith, secondary school teacher, Birkenhead
Laly Haddon, Chair of Ngati Wai Trust Board, farmer and tourist operator, Pakiri
Grant Hawke, Ngati Whatua spokesperson on environmental and resource management
matters, Orakei
Christine Rose, councillor, Rodney District Council, Kumeu
Penny Webster, farmer and teacher, Hoteo.