East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board nominations
Date: 26 February 2008
With just over a week to go until the closing date, only one nomination has been received for the four vacancies on the East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board. People with an interest in conservation have until Monday 10th March to submit nominations for appointment to the board according to Sandra Groves from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
"We usually have a last minute flurry of nominations so I am hoping this will happen again this year," Mrs Groves said.
Conservation Boards are independent bodies, responsible for representing community interests in work that DOC carries out, and in conservation issues in general. Each board member is appointed by the Minister of Conservation for three years initially. Members may be nominated for re-appointment after their initial term. The East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board meets six times a year. Board members receive briefings on work being undertaken by DOC and contribute to conservation planning and policy development. Members receive meeting payments and travel allowances.
A major focus for the East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board in the next year will be overseeing the production of a Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) for the conservancy. This planning document will guide DOC work in the region for the next decade.
"The CMS must be consistent with relevant legislation, but there is still considerable scope for regional variation that will affect activities that may occur in areas managed by the department. Two big issues to be discussed with communities in the conservancy will be policies on dogs and on mountain biking," Mrs Groves said.
Nomination forms should be sent to Sandra Groves, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 668, Gisborne. Further information and nomination forms can be obtained from DOC offices throughout New Zealand or download forms and information here