Board members: Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board

The Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board has 11 members appointed by the Minister of Conservation. Find out more about the current members of the Board.

Aneika Young of Nelson (Co-Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2027

Aneika (Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, and Ngāti Ruanui) is Kaiāwhina Māori/Māori Cultural Advisor and Māori Business Development, environmental scientist and researcher for Cawthron Institute in Nelson. She has a background as consultant in Māori Resource Management. She has wide interests in outdoor recreation and has been a walk and kayak guide in Abel Tasman National Park. She is an iwi representative on the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, is a trustee of Te Āwhina Marae and an alternate director for Ngāti Rārua Te Ātiawa Trust on Tiakina te Taiao.

Nicky Eade of Pelorus Sound (Co-Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2026

Nicky currently combines guiding work in Totaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, with work on several conservation and restoration projects. She previously worked as an Environmental Scientist with a focus on biodiversity and land management. She has significant experience in consultation, advocacy, research and publication, and cultural awareness. She has a Masters in Resource Management.

Dr Serean Adams of Nelson

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Serean brings marine science and aquaculture experience, with a PhD in Marine Science and experience working with iwi on aquaculture matters. Dr Adams has a senior leadership role in Cawthron Institute, leading research programmes, and strategy and business development. She was previously involved with the DOC Kakapo Recovery Programme carrying out cryopreservation research.

Lorraine Hawke of Kaikōura

Appointment term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2026

Lorraine (Ngāi Tahu o Ngāti Kūri me Ngāi Tuahuriri, Ngāti Waewae, Ngāti Irakehu, Ngāti Mamoe me Waitaha, Rangitāne) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Lorraine is a former Māori Response Counsellor with a strong interest in Māori Workforce Development and Māori Health. Lorraine has a background in governance, policy, and whānau development with a strong cultural awareness of the principles of rangatiratanga, manawhenua and mana moana. She chairs te Ahi Wairua o Kaikoura Charitable Trust as one of the co-founders of the service, is the key liaison and chair of Te Rūnganga o Kaikoura Molesworth working committee and the St James Reclassification Project steering committee. Lorraine’s interests are varied, however she is particularly drawn to kaupapa relating to cultural creative arts, rongoa, writing and composition.

Clint McConchie of Kaikōura

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027

Clint (Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kuri) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu . He is a Natural Resource Manager and has formerly had roles in farm management. He brings experience in, and knowledge of, RMA, land and environmental management, sustainable practices, and biodiversity to the board.

Brian McGurk of Nelson

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028

Brian has strong governance and planning experience after three terms as a Nelson City Councillor and is also a qualified RMA Commissioner. He has community connections in the Nelson area and was involved in the governance of a number of the Council’s biodiversity projects.

Bill O'Leary of Nelson

Appointment term: 1 November 2023 to 30 June 2027

Bill has extensive Governance experience. He was on the national Executive of New Zealand Deerstalkers Association and a strong promoter of hunter education and firearm safety. He was on the establishment committee for Game Animal Council and served as a councillor. He has many years of understanding the relationship between human Settlement, natural landscapes, and indigenous flora and fauna. Bill has been involved in developing policy for conservation, Fish and Game and NZ Police.

Randal Te Ahu (Te Ahu) Rei of Motueka

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Mr Rei’s whakapapa is to Te Tauihu. With his appointment, the Board will have representation from all iwi in Te Tau Ihu. Mr Rei’s background has largely been in the Education sector from teaching at primary and secondary through to tertiary level. He has a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Philosophy.

Dr Jennifer (Jen) Skilton of Nelson

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Dr Jennifer (Jen) Skilton (Te Ātiawa) has a PhD in ecology, with specific expertise in aquatic and restoration ecology. She works across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as Pou Taiao for Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō. Jen is driven by the desire to implement effective management strategies to sustain and protect New Zealand’s natural assets for future generations.

Nicky Wagner of Nelson

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Nicky is a Patron of the Papatuanuku Independency Trust. She was the Associate Minister of Conservation (2014-2017) and Associate Minister for Tourism (2016-2017). She has extensive governance, committee and board roles, and experience in the recreation and outdoor sector.

Tom Williams of Richmond