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.
Scott Burnett of Nelson
Appointments term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025
Scott has a business and governance background related to volunteering and conservation. He understands the Te Tau Ihu iwi context and Te Tiriti o Waitangi and has completed a Masters’ degree focused on the relationships of eco-sanctuaries with Māori. Mr Burnett remains active and committed to conservation efforts in the Marlborough Sounds.
Lorraine Hawke of Kaikōura
Appointment term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2025
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 2025
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.
Rima Piggott of Motueka
Appointment term: 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2025
Rima (Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Toa Rangitira, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāiterangi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is a home health support worker and has a certificate in Horticultural Management. Rima has broad community involvement and is a Trustee for Te Rūnunga o Ngāti Rārua and a member of the Manawhenua ki Mohua Trust. She enjoys tramping, fishing, hunting, diving, gardening and gathering kai moana.
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 for 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.