Rena Kohere of Gisborne (Co-Chairperson)
Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027
Rena (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, and Ngāi Tahu) grew up on whānau land at the East Cape Lighthouse, Te Araroa. She was manager of Tairāwhiti Environment Centre for 5 years and is now working in Cyclone Recovery at Gisborne District Council. She has been involved in environmental kauapa across Tairāwhiti with a particular focus on hapū and community led projects, Jobs For Nature, and regional strategy/ governance. She has experience working with local and central government, iwi and hapū, and diverse community groups and is a member of the hapū led Taiao Team for Whangaokeno.
Sarah Owen of Gisborne
Coopted Member: 15 May 2026 to 30 June 2027
Sarah is a senior public sector executive with more than 25 years’ experience across central and local government. She has held senior leadership roles with the Department of Conservation, Wellington City Council and Christchurch City Council.
Throughout her career, Sarah has been committed to protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s natural environment while delivering positive outcomes for communities. She brings extensive experience in governance, strategic leadership, organisational transformation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships, emergency management, and conservation management. She has led complex programmes, fostered collaborative partnerships, and worked across government to support effective stewardship of natural resources and resilient communities. Sarah holds a Master of Public Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington.
Raymond (Ray) Salter of Havelock North
Appointment Term: 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029
Ray has extensive experience in environmental management, tourism, governance and public policy. With a background in earth sciences, he has worked across resource management, conservation, sustainability and tourism-related initiatives in New Zealand and internationally. His career has included senior leadership roles in central government and advisory work on tourism sustainability for a diversity of clients.
He has served on a number of governance boards, including as Chair of Destination Great Lake Taupō and the Youth Hostel Association of New Zealand. He brings significant experience working with local communities, iwi, government agencies and industry stakeholders, along with a strong understanding of the relationship between conservation, recreation and sustainable tourism. His interests include travel, walking, and habitat restoration.
Peter Simpson of Havelock North
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Peter was raised in Hawke’s Bay on a family sheep and beef farm maintained along the Tutaekuri River. His family are multi-generational trampers and amateur botanists with a passion for the conservation of Hawke's Bay's hardwood Podocarp forests. Peter studied engineering and geology and spent 19 years offshore in financial investing and trading. He is experienced in organisational strategy, governance, and risk management and is presently Head of Commercial Operations – Orchards for Mr Apple. He is also the independent financial advisor to the Eastern and Central Community Trust.