Taranaki/Whanganui Conservation Board members
The Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board has nine members appointed by the Minister of Conservation. The Board is currently carrying one vacancy. Find out more about the current members of the Board.

 

Linde Judd of Whanganui 

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

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.

Christopher (Chris) Smith of Whanganui (Deputy Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027

Chris (Ngāti Apakura) 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.

Erica Riddle of Fielding

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Erica brings extensive military background with education from the Institute of Directors to the Board. Erica is also completing a Masters in Sustainability and sits on the governance committee for Creative Sounds Society Inc in Palmerston North as their Health and Safety portfolio owner.

Mitchell Ritai of Waitara

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 November 2024 to 30 June 2028

Mitchell Ritai (Ngāti Mutunga, Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Ngāruahine, and Ngāti Ruanui). 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.