Latest appointments to the conservation board will be updated on this page by the end of August 2026.
Paul Bonetti of Whangarei
Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2027
Bachelor Resource Studies (Tourism & Environmental Planning) Lincoln University Master of Professional Studies (Environmental Management) Lincoln University Environmental Management and Engineering (Lafarge Austria) GD05 Erosion and Sediment Control. After 30 years of Corporate Environmental Management and Conservation work combined with raising a family, he now has time to put some of the many skills gained back into the community for advocacy and preservation of the Northland / Te Tai Tokerau conservation estate. Paul has a passion for conservation and threatened species and wants to help advocate, engage and help resolve some of the many issues facing conservation in Northland.
Sarah Bray of Mangawhai
Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2029
Sarah Bray has served one year on the board and brings strong governance and leadership skills with a solid foundation in environmental science, law, marine biology, ecology, and biodiversity.
Sarah Bray is the Director of Sustainable Kaipara, where she leads community-driven initiatives in environmental protection and waste minimisation across the Kaipara region. She also serves as Deputy Chair of Te Whai Community Trust (2023–present), supporting the wellbeing of local whānau.
She holds a Master of Environmental Science and Law (University of Sydney, 2010), a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Ecology and Biodiversity (Victoria University of Wellington, 2006), and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies (Victoria University of Wellington, 2006).
(Iwi affiliation: Taranaki)
Ralph Correa of Whangarei
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Ralph is a distinguished leader with expertise in governance, business, and community engagement. He has served as CFO of Ngāti Hine Health Trust, is a Company Director, founder of Organica Biotech NZ, and recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal for his contributions to the Indian community. Ralph chairs the Whangarei Multiethnic Collective, and NIAI, and is a board member of Whangarei Area Neighbourhood Support and Multicultural Whangarei. He also serves as a Justice of the Peace, exemplifying integrity and leadership. Ralph is also the board liaison for Fish & Game.
Alex Flavell-Johnson of Mangawhai
Appointment term: 1 July 07 2024 to 30 June 2028
Alex is the Conservation Manager at Tara Iti Golf Course, he is an active member in serval conservation projects including Restore Rodney East, Bittern Conservation Trust Mangawhai Ecology Incorporated and the Mangawhai Riparian Planting Group. Alex is responsible for the establishment and running of the Tara Iti Ecological Sanctuary, working toward protecting and enhancing Te Arai Norths ecosystems and threatened species. Working with DOC, NRC, AC, iwi and community to establish, enhance and expand predator control across over 10,000ha of public & private land. Biodiversity monitoring, including many threatened and at-risk species. Assisting with development of communication & advocacy plans for Tara iti, NZ fairy tern. Regional and national coordination of Australian bittern monitoring.Alex represents the board in a liaison role to the Auckland Conservation Board
Iwi affiliations: Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāpuhi, Tainui.
Fiona Kemp of Maungatūroto
Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028
Fiona is the Manager of Environs Holdings Trust, environmental subsidiary to Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust. Given her position with Te Uri o Hau, Fiona has a strong interest in permits, concessions, and resource consent processes. Projects include Jobs for Nature for two PCL areas, PF2050 landscape project for the Kaipara peninsulas in partnership with Kauri Coast, Auckland Council and Northland Regional Council, Te Roroa. Fiona wrote the first 'Working Together' (legislative tool to work with DOC under the Te Uri o Hau Settlement Act 2002). Fiona is a member of Te Rūnanga Papa Atawhai o Te Taitokerau and is the parnership manager of Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust. Fiona has a Bachelor of Arts - Major: Anthropology Minor: Māori Studies Diploma in Adult Teaching.
Iwi Affiliations: Ngāti Awa, Tainui, Te Arawa
Nyree(Nyze)Manuel of Kaeo
Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027
The current Chairperson of Te Rūnanga Papa Atawhai o Te Tai Tokerau, hikoi organiser for Toitu Te Tiriti, Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa Board Member, Kaitiaki Whangaroa Board Member, Karangahape Marae Trust Trustee. She is well known in the community and offers an intricate knowledge of tikanga Māori.Nyree represents the board in the following liaison roles - Te Hiku o Te Ika Conservation Board and the Whangarei Harbour Committee
Iwi affiliations: Ngāpuhi ki Whangaroa, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Te Arawa, and Ngāpuhi.
Nina Raharuhi of Karikari Peninsula
Appointment Term: 7 July 2026 -30 June 2029
Nina is a prominent kaitiaki o te taiao and community leader working alongside local hapū Te Whānau Moana and Te Rorohuri to protect sacred sites, dunes and coastal ecosystems from environmental degradation and illegal dumping. Nina has strong kaupapa Māori grounded expertise in environmental protection, cultural monitoring, and kaitiakitanga.
Iwi affiliations: Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu