Nyree (Nyze) Manuel of Whangaroa (Chairperson)

Appointment term: 2 July 2021 to 30 June 2024

Nyze (Ngāpuhi ki Whangaroa, Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa, Te Arawa, and Ngāpuhi) is on the Board of Te Rūnanga O Whaingaroa, Kaitiaki Whangaroa, and Karangahape Marae Trust. She is well known in the community and offers an intricate knowledge of tikanga Māori.

Karen Joyce-Paki of Kaipara

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Karen (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Uri o Hau) is a regional manager for Tatauranga Aotearoa/Statistics NZ and has completed two terms as a councillor for the Kaipara District Council. Ms Joyce-Paki previously worked for the Department of Conservation in a number of community-focused roles. She is a trained marine medic and has an interest in educating Māori youth of the Māori perspective on the environment.

Robert (Blue) Newport of Ōkaihau (Deputy Chairperson)

Appointment term: 7 July 2020 to 30 June 2026

Blue is a sheep and beef farmer and a teacher in tourism and social sciences. He is a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant owner and is involved in the Okaihau community in various beautification and environmental maintenance projects.

Kayla Raines of Whāngarei

Appointment term: 7 July 2020 to 30 June 2024

Kayla is a horticultural worker who is involved in a number of community conservation and land care projects, involving species monitoring and restoration planting. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biodiversity Management.

Penny Smart of Dargaville

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

Penny has extensive links throughout Northland with membership of numerous Trusts, and as a former Chair of the Northland Regional Council. She is a strategic thinker, with strong governance skills, who is passionate about conservation.