Canterbury Aoraki conservation appointments announced
Date: 29 August 2008
Source: Office of the Minister of Conservation
Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick today announced this year's appointments to the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.
"I am pleased to appoint Eric Spurr, Stephen Lowndes and Malcolm Clarborough to the board, and to reappoint Peter Foley," Steve Chadwick said.
"The new makeup of the board represents a wide range of local communities in the Canterbury Aoraki area and will give sound advice to the Department of Conservation (DOC) on its policy and directions. Conservation boards play a vital role in giving independent advice on local issues and are a way for local communities to be a part of conservation decisions."Conservation boards provide links between the community and DOC, and represent the public interest in the department's work and conservation in general.
Dr Eric Spurr has thirty years wildlife research experience working for the New Zealand Forest Service and Landcare Research, and is a member of various local and national conservation-related community groups and organisations.
Steve Lowndes has many years experience in local government and community affairs, and is currently on the boards of the Akaroa Civic Trust, the Rural Canterbury Primary Health Organisation and the Canterbury Museum.
Malcolm Clarborough worked for 26 years with the Lands and Survey and Conservation departments, and was a senior ranger in the Nelson Lakes National Park and a Field Centre Supervisor at St Arnaud.
"I am sure that the incoming members will add valuable experience and skills to this highly competent and committed board, and I thank them for their willingness to take up this important conservation role."
Ms Chadwick thanked retiring board chair Dr Murray Parsons for his efforts and commitment during his time on the board.
Ms Chadwick also extended a message of sympathy to the family of Gottlieb Braun-Elwert after his recent unexpected death. She thanked the family for the tireless work Gottlieb did during his six years as a member of the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.