1999 EAST COAST HAWKE'S BAY CONSERVATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Conservation Minister Nick Smith today announced appointments to the East Coast Hawke's Bay 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 East Coast Hawke's Bay 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
William Blake of Mahia is Chair of Ngati Kahungunu Kaumatua and a member of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council Maori Standing Committee. Mr Blake has developed a broad perspective of conservation issues in the Hawke's Bay region.

Brian Riesterer is a chartered accountant from Opotiki. Mr Riesterer is also a Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor and brings a range of professional skills to the board.

Louise Savage is employed as a soil conservator at the Gisborne District Council. She brings scientific expertise to the board and a strong conservation and recreation interest.

Megan Williams of Hastings is a Disputes Tribunal referee and a Hastings District Council councillor. She will bring to the board a wide range of experience on historic and natural resource committees and has an interest in protection of the environment.

Continuing members
Lloyd Beech, telecommunications engineer, Taradale
Vianney Douglas, manager, Te Araroa
Frank Martin, farmer, Wairoa
Ross Russell, retired, Gisborne
Basil Tamiana, self employed, Whakatane
Aubrey Temara, managing director, Ruatahuna
Eileen von Dadelszen, resource management consultant, regional councillor,
Havelock North
ENDS