Chris Smith of Whanganui (Chair)

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027

Chris is a Whanganui-based environmental professional and conservation leader. He holds qualifications in Environmental Science and has experience in wildlife recovery, environmental management, search and rescue, and community governance. Chris is the Manager at Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery and Chair of Sustainable Whanganui. As  Chairperson of the Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board, he brings a strong interest in integrating mātauranga Māori and science to support positive conservation outcomes across the region.

Iwi affliations: Ngāti Apakura

Macy Duxfield of Whanganui (Deputy-Chair)

Appointment term: 6 August 2026 to 30 June 2028

Macy has experience in environmental, climate policy, Indigenous rights policy and advocacy. She is a Programme Coordinator at the Environmental Protection Authority and serves in governance roles for conservation organisations within Taranaki and Whanganui. Her passion is grounded in advancing the rights and responsibilities of hapū and iwi, with a particular focus on freshwater, climate change, and environmental governance. Macy is passionate about advancing mana whenua leadership in environmental decision-making and creating positive outcomes for whaanau, iwi and te taiao.

Iwi affliations: Ngaa Rauru, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, and Ngāi Tahu

Dr Francisco Barraza of Whanganui 

Appointment term: 16 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Francisco is a Whanganui-based environmental scientist, land use planner, and accredited Resource Management Act Commissioner. Over more than 17 years, he has worked across environmental pollution and public health, climate change, environmental planning, and sustainable resource management and policy in local government. He combines academic research with practical policy expertise to support evidence-based environmental decision-making across New Zealand and internationally.

Alison Anitawaru Cole of Hāwera

Appointment term: 16 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Alison is a New Zealand Māori lawyer, climate change advocate, and human rights expert of Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, and Taranaki Whānui descent. She holds a first-class BA in Law from the University of Cambridge and an LLM from Harvard Law School, and has undertaken doctoral research in climate change and Indigenous rights. Cole has worked internationally in human rights and war crimes investigations, served as the inaugural General Manager Māori at New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission, and is widely recognised for her leadership in climate policy, environmental law, and Māori rights.

Iwi afflication: Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, and Taranaki Whānui 

Celine Filbee of Hāwera

Appointment term: 16 July 2026 to 30 June 2028

Celine is a Taranaki-based conservation and community leader who serves as Trust Manager of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust. With a background in event management, governance, and volunteer coordination, she is dedicated to fostering effective and authentic relationships to facilitate the protection of New Zealand’s native species and enduring community-led conservation initiatives.

Linde Judd of Whanganui 

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Linde Judd B.Com, CA  (Retired). Linde is an experienced consultant with a diverse career spanning the public sector, private sector, local government, and not-for-profit organisations. Her expertise includes coaching, policy development, reporting structures, governance, and organisational improvement. Linde has worked across a range of industries including marine, education, finance, IT, banking, charities, and governance, with experience gained throughout New Zealand, the UK, Australia, and the Caribbean. She is currently interested in consulting opportunities with impactful organisations and is keen to contribute her skills through Board and Trust governance roles. Outside of work, Linde enjoys hiking, cycling, travel, boating, fishing, and spending time with her widespread family.

Erica Riddle of Fielding

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Erica is a procurement and logistics leader with the New Zealand Defence Force, specializing in defence capability, commercial services, and supply chain management. She combines a strong background in business and logistics with governance experience in conservation and community organizations, bringing a people-focused and purpose-driven approach to leadership.

Mitchell Ritai of Waitara 

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Mitchell is an experienced Māori executive and iwi leader with strong whakapapa connections to Taranaki. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience across business, education, and iwi development, and serves as the Chief Executive of Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa. Mitchell is known for his commitment to cultural revitalisation, environmental stewardship, and advancing opportunities for whānau and future generations.

Iwi affliations: Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Ngāruahine, and Ngāti Ruanui