Otago Conservation Board members

Board Members

The following people have been appointed to the Otago Conservation Board by the Minister of Conservation:

Assoc. Prof Abby Smith, Dunedin

A senior lecturer in the Marine Science department of the University of Otago and director of AMS Research. Dr Smith is a marine sedimentologist whose recent research has included work on coastal erosion, water quality and biofouling. Appointed to the board in 2005.

Role:

• Board Chairperson
• Scientific Advisory Group Convenor
• Liaison with Otago Regional Council

Dr Garry Nixon, Alexandra

Joined the board in 2004. He is a general practitioner with a strong interest in outdoor recreation.

Role:

• Deputy Chairperson
• MANP Management Plan Review Working Party

Dr David Holdsworth, Dunedin

Joined the board in 2009. Dr Holdsworth is a lecturer in the Marketing Department at the University of Otago. He has a good knowledge of the tourism industry as well as the ecology of Otago's indigenous flora.

Role:

• Liaison with:
• • Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board
  • Waitaki District Council

Iris Scott, Glenorchy

A high country farmer, running Rees Valley Station at the head of Lake Wakatipu, Iris is also a veterinarian. She has a strong interest in natural history and has been on the board since 2004.

Role:

• MANP Management Plan Review Working Party
• Liaison with Queenstown Lakes District Council

David Barnes, Dunedin

A member of the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ Executive and the NZ Geographic Board. Has a strong interest in conservation and recreation management and a good knowledge of the public conservation lands of Otago.

Dr Jim Williams, Dunedin

A lecturer in Maori Studies at Otago University and appointed to the board in 2005 on the recommendation of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Affiliated to Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki.

Role:

• Liaison with Dunedin City Council

Andrew Penniket, Wanaka

Andrew spent 15 years working with the TVNZ's Natural History Unit and he has a broad knowledge of the natural world. He enjoys tramping, mountain biking and diving in his leisure time. Appointed to the board in 2006.

Role:

• Liaison with Southland Conservation Board

Gordon Bailey, Queenstown

Mr Bailey is Parks Manager for Queenstown Lakes District Council and has a specialist interest in native plants. His outdoor interests include mountain biking, walking and running.

Francie Diver, Alexandra

Ms Diver is a nominee of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. As well as jointly managing 'Sweet Koura Enterprises', New Zealand's first registered sweet koura farming operation, she has worked for a wide range of Central Otago community and conservation projects, including the Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary near Alexandra.

Role:

• Liaison with:
• • Central Otago District Council
  • Fish and Game Otago
  • Fish and Game Ctrl Sth Isld

Susan Stevens, Queenstown

Ms Stevens is Chairperson of the Gibbston Community Association and led development of the Gibbston River Trail. She has a background in marketing and market research.

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