Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme of Christchurch (Chairperson)
Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027
DP Hulme is an experienced biosecurity academic. He has served on Biosecurity Advisory Committees for the UK and New Zealand governments, as well as Environment Canterbury. In 2023, the Minister of Conservation appointed him as a Director of the QEII National Trust. DP Hulme has an excellent understanding of data and statistics, the ability to make evidence-based decisions, knowledge of the research landscape that supports conservation activities in New Zealand, and a sound understanding of governance best practice.
Courtney Bennett of Christchurch (Deputy Chairperson)
Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2028
Courtney’s background is in environmental and strategic planning. She runs a planning consultancy that specialises in policy and plan-writing, community engagement, and research; and has previously worked on national park-related projects in a technical capacity. Courtney has also published several academic articles focusing on best practice mana whenua engagement methodologies, and incorporating Māori worldviews and mātauranga into planning processes.
Sarah Ayres of Christchurch
Appointment term: 7 July 2026 to 30 June 2029
Sarah has a background in commercial and property law. A former Chair of Project Jonah, Sarah continues to volunteer as a marine medic, supporting marine mammal and conservation efforts. Sarah is also a Board member of the Jane Goodall Institute of New Zealand, contributing to the organisation’s work in conservation education, and environmental stewardship.
Tineke Joustre of Christchurch
Appointment term: 7 July 2026 to 30 June 2029
Tineke has a strong conservation commitment as the Operations Manager for Save the Kiwi and is able to engage with various audiences as a lecturer and population biologist. Her advice is recognized as a consultant by numerous conservation organisations.
Dr Roslyn Kerr of Christchurch
Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028
Roslyn has an extensive academic background in sport and recreation, where she has published and taught for around 15 years. She currently works in the partnerships space in parks at Christchurch City Council and brings significant knowledge of community conservation and the work of local environmental groups. Roslyn has also held a range of governance roles across parks, leisure and sport, with governance also being one of her research areas.
Robert (Rob) Kinney of Christchurch
Appointment Term: 7 July 2026 to 30 June 2029
Rob brings strong experience in conservation governance, strategic planning, and practical conservation leadership. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust and Deputy Chair of the Ara O Te Kinga Predator Free Project. Rob demonstrates a strong and sustained commitment to conservation, combining governance expertise with practical leadership and a focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for biodiversity and wildlife.
Michael McMillan of North Temuka
Appointment term: 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2027
Michael is a nominee by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Michael brings extensive expertise in tikanga, cultural heritage, conservation, and environmental matters, particularly across Arowhenua, Temuka and the Aoraki/Mackenzie region. As a cultural consultant, he has contributed to significant kaupapa including Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Rangitata conservation lands, Kura Tāwhiti and freshwater eel fisheries. Michael’s work bridges mana whenua perspectives, conservation governance, environmental , and cultural heritage, providing an important local Māori perspective on land, waterways, and culturally significant places.
Iwi affliations: Rapuwai, Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe, and Ngāi Tahu
Jana Newman of Christchurch
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Jana has a background in conservation, Antarctic science, policy and diplomacy, including leading New Zealand’s engagement in the Antarctic Treaty System. She has broad experience as a senior leader in government agencies working with legislation, policy, strategy and engagement.
Rachel Robilliard of Southbridge
Appointment term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2027
Rachel (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki, and Te Taumutu Rūnanga) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. She has a legal background with a focus on environmental, planning and natural resources law. She has experience advising on legal and compliance requirements for a range of environmental and resource management matters. She is also a member of the Kaitiakitanga Portfolio for Te Taumutu Rūnanga.
Sara Severinsen of Christchurch
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Sara was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and has experience in land, water, and species conservation, working between mana whenua and the Department of Conservation. She also has resource management framework and crown pastoral administration experience.
Iwi afflilation: Ngāi Tahu
Richard Suggate of Diamond Harbour
Appointment term 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2028
After a 30 year career working for Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) across Canterbury and other locations, Richard brings to the Board a wide understanding of biodiversity, recreation and conservation operations. During his career, he established relationships with Canterbury papatipu rūnanga and many local groups. Richard is currently a member of a number of conservation, recreation and community organisations including co-chairing the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust.
Puāwai Swindells-Wallace of Rapaki
Appointment term; 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2027
Nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Puāwai has experience in the practice of Mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori. Raised on the Marae, she brings exercised kaitiaki and rangatira experience from Whenua and Tangata Whenua in Waitaha/Canterbury. Her experience of protocol, formalities and practices stem from Mātauranga-a-Iwi, Mātauranga-a-hapū from across Waitaha, Te Waipounamu and Te Ika-a-Māui.
Iwi afflilation: Ngāi Tahu