Michael McMillan of North Temuka (Chairperson)
Appointment term: 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2026
Michael (Rapuwai, Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe, Ngāi Tahu) is a nominee by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and is the current Deputy Chair of the Board. Notable kaupapa he has led on the Board include the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park review/consultation; commercial eeling in the McKenzie county lakes through MPI quota; Rangitata conservation lands and encroachment on the river; and developments at Kura Tawhiti.
Courtney Bennett of Christchurch (Deputy Chairperson)
Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025
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.
Robert Brears of Christchurch
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025
Robert has 12 years of experience in climate change and natural resources management, on topics including water resources management, climate change mitigation/adaptation, and nature-based solutions.
Rachael Evans of Christchurch
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026
Rachael (Ngāti Tama and Ngāti Pamoana) is a lecturer in law at Canterbury University. She is a former practicing lawyer specialising in Treaty right and water resource management government law. Ms Evans has considerable knowledge about Te Ao Māori and conservation, tikanga and the environment.
Joseph Hullen of Kaiapoi
Appointment term: 1 September 2007 to 30 June 2025
Joseph (Ngāi Tahu) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. He has skills in environmental management and advocacy, is a mahinga kai practitioner and provides strong cultural awareness. He is currently employed as a whakapapa researcher for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme of Christchurch
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.
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.
Paul Milligan of Christchurch
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026
Paul has a background in marine tourism would provide insights in both marine issues (which is not currently represented on the Board membership) and the tourism industry.
Rachel Robilliard of Southbridge
Appointment term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2025
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
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.
Richard Suggate of Diamond Harbour
Appointment term 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025
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.
Brenden Winder of Christchurch
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026
Brenden (Ngāi Irakehu, Tūwharetoa) has a varied background in maritime matters, land and vegetation fire management, emergency management and tourism. He provides an understanding of working with government, local government, and non-government agencies. Brenden also strengthens the Māori representation on the Board.