Nicky Wagner of Picton (Co-Chair)

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.

Arahia Allen of Kaikōura

Term 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027

Arahia Allen (Ngāi Tahu)  was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Arahia has experience on community boards and local government. She sits on the Rangatahi/Molesworth planning committee and is experienced in conservation projects and resource consent issues. 

Lorraine Hawke of Kaikōura

Appointment term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2027

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.

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. 

Matthew (Matt) Hippolite of Whakatū

Term 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Matthew (Matt) Hippolite (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāi Tahu) Matt brings knowledge of conservation, governance experience, and a high level of cultural and kaitiakitanga competency and understanding of Te Tiriti/section 4. His experience spans multiple large-scale restoration and policy projects, and he maintains strong networks across Te Tauihu iwi, councils, and government agencies, making him a highly credible contributor to conservation governance. He brings experience in landscape-scale restoration and strategic thinking across conservation and multi-stakeholder approaches.

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.

Evie Rainey of Nelson

Term 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Evie Rainey brings extensive legal expertise in environmental, natural resource management, and conservation law. Based in Nelson, she has significant experience advising on resource management reform, coastal policy, marine aquaculture, and conservation legislation. Evie has a strong understanding of governance and regulatory processes, with particular expertise in coastal and marine issues. Her knowledge of statutory frameworks and environmental decision-making provides valuable skills and perspective to the Board's work.

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 2029

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.

Tom Williams of Richmond 

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Tom has a background in finance and sustainability and will bring a younger perspective to the Board. He has a Bachelor of Law and Science (Environment) and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.