1999 OTAGO CONSERVATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Conservation Minister Nick Smith today announced appointments to the Otago 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 Otago 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:
Les Cleveland of Dunedin has been re-appointed to the board. He is a managing director and philanthropist with an extensive involvement and long term interest in regional conservation and environmental issues.

Alan Mark of Dunedin is a professor emeritus who recently retired from the Botany Department of the University of Otago. He has also been re-appointed to the board and has been extensively involved in local and regional conservation issues, particularly those relating to the high country.

Lesley McIntosh of North Otago is a farmer and homemaker with a background of service in the local community. She enjoys tramping and has a strong interest in environmental issues.

Robert Mitchell of Dunedin is a media manager. He has a wide experience of outdoor recreation, including tramping, back country skiing, and training, in both New Zealand and Australia.

Continuing members:
John Beattie, farmer, Patearoa
Robyn Jebson, marketing manager, Queenstown
Sheryl Miller, scientist, Dunedin
Mary Sutherland, tourism operator, Papatowai
Gail Tipa, project manager, Dunedin;
Gilbert van Reenen, veterinary scientist/ photographer, Wanaka.