Shona Sangster of Stewart Island (Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2025

Shona is a Stewart Island/Rakiura resident who is passionate about conservation. She grew up in the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland which gave her a passion for the positive impact of predator control on native bush. She is the Chair of the Stewart Island/Rakiura Community and Environment Trust, which protects 210 hectares of land on the Acker’s Point peninsula. She co-edits the monthly Stewart Island News and works part-time for Glowing Sky Merino and the Southland District Council. Shona is also a member of the Rakiura Marine Guardians and has volunteered for the Kākāpō Recovery Programme. She holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from The University of Auckland and a Trinity College London Certificate in TESOL. Her interests include tramping, fishing, beekeeping and making art.

Joanne (Jo) Bagrie of Mataura

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Jo is an environmental scientist, with a BSc in Ecology and Zoology and has operated a tourism business on public conservation land.  She brings knowledge and exposure to the Treaty / Te Tiriti via studies and work experience and would fills several of the skill gaps on the Board. Ms Bagrie is from Eastern Southland where there is currently no Board representation.  

Mark Bryan of Winton

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027

Mark is a rural veterinarian, farmer, and business owner. He is a Senior Lecturer of Dairy Cattle Medicine at Massey University, Director of Aquila Sustainable Farming Group, and has experience in a number of other executive and governance roles.

Stewart Bull of Riverton

Appointment term: 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2025

Stewart (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, and Waiaha) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. He is the Chair of Ōraka-Aparima Rūnanga, a member of the Whenua Hou committee, Fiordland Marine Guardians, Chair of Te Ao Marama, iwi resource management committee, Chair of the Rakiura tītī committee, and a member of the Rakiura tītī administering body. Tangata tiaki/kaitiaki, customary fisheries management, Stewart has always had an interest and participated in environment and resource management throughout his adult life and has always felt the concept of Kaitiakitanga/stewardship is a responsibility he feels he has an absolute obligation to. Stewart believes many hands make light of the work and if we all participate in a positive manner, then he is sure the world will be a more comfortable living space for us and the future generations to come; he says, "we must not fail while on our watch as there will be consequences!".

Roger Hodson of Invercargill

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Roger is a Senior environmental scientist and has a sound understanding of a wide range of natural sciences. Advises Waiau Fisheries and wildlife Habitat Enhancement Trust and landowners on protecting and enhancing fisheries and wildlife habitats. He brings a depth of experience in local government and stakeholder management with an established network of strong relationships in the Southland community including iwi, local and central government, crown research institutions and universities.

Alexandra (Alex) McCrossin of Queenstown

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Alex holds extensive knowledge of National Parks and DOC reserves after 12 years of film permitting and photography in the South Island. Ms McCrossin also brings 20 years of experience in managing film crews to capture New Zealand’s outstanding landscapes, whilst working closely with the Department of Conservation to preserve and support nature conservation efforts.

Jennifer (Jen) McGirr of Queenstown

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Jen has experience working in environmental management and planning roles for local government and the private sector for the past 20 years. She holds RMA Commissioner accreditation and has broad experience across three waters, air quality and landfill monitoring and compliance, and land use management. Jen is also passionate about conservation and looks forward to contributing her skill set to the Board.
Jen currently resides in Queenstown with her husband and two school age sons and enjoys spending her downtime hiking in the conservation estate as much as possible.

Keith McRobie of Gore

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Keith has a planning background and particular experience in large-scale riparian planting. He has worked for a number of councils in the southern South Island in parks and recreation management. 

Sharon Salmons of Queenstown

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2026

Sharon is a member of Game Animal Council and brings a huge wealth of tourism knowledge to the board having been in tourism roles since 1999, particularly in Fiordland and have been involved in various community organisations. She also has governance and committee experience. She has volunteered many times with Backcountry trust to rebuild huts and co-ordinate the hunting community the clear traps for a local groups.