11. Chairperson's comment

As I predicted last year this has been a year of hard work and interesting challenges.

Our prime function as a Board is to advise the Department and the NZCA and we have taken this role very seriously during the year submitting to both on a variety of issues. Our work with DOC has occurred at many different levels. We provided input to the National Heritage Management System and, as we do each year, to the Conservancy Business Plan.

In a secondary role we are independent bodies representing the community interest in conservation in general which enables us to participate in public advocacy. The Board has a policy of working in groups of not less than three members to inform and comment on statutory process in public forums, other than DOC, where the need is apparent. Increasingly, because of work pressure, we are only submitting in areas of prioritized Board importance.

Water quality and pressure on coastal areas from subdivision and the retention of natural character are our current "big issues".

Last year the declining eel fishery was an area of huge importance for us and we note that although there has been progress with the eel fishery coming under the quota system, we are not convinced that this will provide the answer to the problem. We will maintain a watching brief on both the national and international scene.

Throughout the year the Board has continued in its important role of monitoring the Department's performance against its Conservation Management Strategy. The CMS implements general policies and establishes objectives for the integrated management of natural and historic resources and for recreation, tourism and other conservation purposes. Although Wellington has chosen to follow a different pathway to other Conservation Boards in their CMS review, we believe our process has been very worthwhile for both the Department and the Board - giving clear direction for Board input into Departmental financial planning and pointing out areas of concern for future emphasis. As well, this year we have been advising the Department on the Standard Operating Procedure for the CMS review process. It is anticipated that the new version of the CMS will be place based which will involve a lot of work for staff and Board members in becoming more prescriptive in defining conservation outcomes for each designated place. The Wellington CMS review process will begin in 2005.

At the biennial Chairpersons Conference held in Wellington in May, representatives from all boards enjoyed the opportunity to share ideas and concerns while being stimulated by some thought-provoking presentations.

This is a very worthwhile gathering - great for networking and identifying national issues and seeking solutions. The organizational skills and funding provided by the NZCA was appreciated by all who attended.

This year we have had the privilege once again to partner with the Minister of Conservation and DOC to recognize and applaud the efforts of many people in the Wellington Conservancy at the annual Conservation Awards held in the Old Legislative Chamber at Parliament. The theme was Conservation with Communities and it was great to be able to pay public tribute to all those volunteers who were nominated - not just the award recipients. It is very humbling to be amongst so many people who are responsible, in their own way, for making conservation happen.

During this year we lost two very able board members - George Mikaera, a longstanding Iwi member from the Wairarapa and Mary O'Keefe our Deputy Chairperson and historic heritage expert from Wellington. We have missed you both - your expertise, willingness and humour.

Storms in February, resulting in major road closures, prevented some of our members from reaching Wellington causing the meeting to be turned into a workshop because of the lack of a quorum. This happened again in July because of last minute member commitments. Although we had meaningful workshop sessions on both occasions it does not look good for meetings to be not convened because of members' inability to attend. This is something I'll be taking very seriously over the next year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Ross, the DOC Conservator and Jeff Flavell, who acted in Alan's role for part of this year.

As a board we appreciate the opportunities they give us to comment on and be involved in DOC issues. Thanks also to all the staff members who provide us with reports and additional information when required. They also work alongside us on many issues. Tribute must also be paid to Fran Begley, our Board Support officer. Her efficiency, willingness and growing knowledge has been a great help to all board members

In conclusion I would like to thank all board members for the contribution you have made over the last year. You have willingly given time, energy, enthusiasm and intelligence to work through a variety of issues. Remuneration to attend board meetings is a token for the level of input each board member gives and does not reflect the hours of dedicated work that members give between meetings. This voluntary work is acknowledged and appreciated.

The Wellington Conservation Board will face the 2004-05 year with at least four new members and a full workload. The challenge will be to make these new members feel welcome whilst bringing them up to speed and creating a new team that is ready for action as quickly as possible. I look forward to leading a board that meets that challenge and functions well during the coming year - contributing to the department's performance and meeting our commitments in the public arena.

Diane Anderson

Chairperson
9 August 2004

Please note: The comments expressed above by the board chairperson do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other board members.

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