Conservation Board appointments announced

Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson today announced 48 new appointments to the country’s 13 regional Conservation Boards – the independent bodies that provide for interaction between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and local communities throughout New Zealand. 

"DOC manages almost a third of the country’s land area for the benefit of all New Zealanders.  Conservation Boards represent the public interest in DOC’s work, and conservation generally, and are advisors to DOC and the New Zealand Conservation Authority,” Ms Wilkinson says.

“I am pleased to see the commitment these appointees have shown to working for conservation by taking on this important role. They will provide new perspectives and experiences that will compliment those of established board members.

“I also wish to thank all outgoing members for their years of dedication and service.”

The appointees by board are:

Northland: Tracey Andrews Smith, Kaitaia; Judi Gilbert, Whangarei; Mita Harris, Kerikeri.

Auckland: Stella Chan, Remuera; Jo Knight, Birkenhead; Ian Rodger, Howick; Wiki Walker, Warkworth.

Waikato: Megan Campbell, Hamilton; Sally Davis, Pukekohe; Andra Neeley, Otorohanga; Kevin Robinson, Coromandel; David Taipari, Ngatea; Liz Wedderburn, Raglan.

East Coast/Hawke’s Bay: Ken Raureti, Rotorua; Hera Smith, Rotorua; Victor Walker, Tolaga Bay; John Wauchop, Gisborne; Mal Whitaker, Ohope.

Tongariro/Taupo: John Bishara, Wellington; Don Cameron, Raetihi; Ellen Forch, Auckland; Pete Masters, Taupo; Te Ngaehe Wanikau, Turangi.

Taranaki/Whanganui: Anne-Marie Broughton, Whanganui; Rex Hendry, New Plymouth; Darryn Ratana, Whanganui.

Wellington Hawke’s Bay: Jonathan Procter, Palmerston North; Richard Steedman, Taihape; Kevin Trerise, Havelock North.

Chatham Islands: Di-nee Flemming, Chatham Island; Chuck Landis, Dunedin.

Nelson/Marlborough: Ross Hall, Nelson; Ian Mitchell, Blenheim; Joy Shorrock, Motueka

West Coast Tai Poutini: Marcel Fekkes, Franz Josef; Mike Legge, Westport; Kim Thomas, Westport.

Canterbury Aoraki: Te Awhina Arahanga, Christchurch; Mal Clarbrough, Christchurch; Jan Finlayson, Ashburton; David Matheson, Lyttelton.

Otago: David Barnes, Dunedin; Abby Smith, Dunedin; Susan Stevens, Queenstown.

Southland: Fiona Black, Te Anau; Helen McPhail, Gore; Karyn Owen, Invercargill; Peter Ridsdale, Invercargill.