1. Chairperson's comments
My role as chairperson began in May this year. I believe our board has made sensible, sound decisions on behalf of our community. It is important that we work as a whole for the benefit of conservation of our islands and that we continue an open and honest approach as it has been in the past under the leadership of former chair, Phil Seymour. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Phil for his role as chair and the contribution he made to conservation. Also, I would like to thank Donna Gregory-Hunt for her direct and sensible approach during her time on the board. We wish them both the best for the future.
It is important that all issues raised at the meetings are fully discussed, and that all board members have had the opportunity to provide input. The board encourages members of the public to attend meetings although input continues to be limited.
This year the board has taken a lead role in the initiation (with help from our area manager, Alison Davis) of the introduction of procedures for managing taonga and cultural material; these procedures remain open for review. It is the board's view that nga iwi form an allocation committee and become responsible for managing our own taonga.
A highlight for me this year as acting chairperson was receiving on behalf of our community, the mounted taiko from Te Papa. This is the only mounted taiko in New Zealand, one of only two in the world. This year our board welcomed Anaru Luke the newly-appointed kaupapa atawhai manager for the Chathams. We look forward to working with Anaru on important cultural issues.
Finally I would like to thank Alex McKillop our board Secretary for the commitment and dedication she has for her work. Alex has made the transition into my new role a lot easier than expected. I would also like to thank Alison Davis for her endless energy and help, department staff for their contribution to Conservation on Chatham, Pitt and the outer lying islands, and deputy chair Peter Johnson and fellow board members for the important roles and responsibilities they have taken on for the conservation of our islands, and the continuing support that they provided.
Toni Day
Chairperson