Waikato Conservation Board members
The Waikato Conservation Board has 10 members appointed by the Minister of Conservation. Find out more about the current members of the Board.

Robin (Rob) Chappell of Coromandel - Chair

Appointment term: 7 July 2020 to 30 June 2028

Robin brings strong nature conservation, marine science, and governance skills to the Board. He is a former DOC employee and spent five years working on the Chatham Islands. Mr Chappell provides good support to the Board Chair in the governance space. He also has a good understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Dr Shelley Langton-Myers of Pokeno - Deputy Chair

Appointment term: 2 July 2021 to 30 June 2028

Shelley is an Ecologist, Entomologist, and Lecturer for the EcoQuest Centre for Indigeneity, Ecology and Creativity. She brings a conservation science background to the Board, and is well versed in conservation issues, policy, and eco-tourism.

Nagarajah Manoharan of Hamilton

Appointment term: 01 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Nagarajah is an experienced manager, with 30 years of estimating work, 20 years on the MSD Benefits Review Board, and 7 years of face-to-face research monitoring. He is also the past Chairperson of Southeast Kirikiriroa Community Association, past President of the Waikato Ethnic Council. Nagarajah is currently the Waikato Supervisor for the National Research Bureau, and the President of the United Nations Association of New Zealand (Waikato branch).

Charlotte Muggeridge of Hamilton 

Appointment term: 2 July 2021 to 30 June 2027

Charlotte is an environmental lawyer. She has extensive experience in environmental issues having sat on a number of environmental and community boards at local, regional, and international levels. Charlotte regularly presents on environmental issues both locally and nationally. She is widely recognised for her contribution to environmental and planning law and industry thought leadership. Charlotte is the co-author of New Zealand’s first legal textbook on Subdivisions (Subdivisions Law and Practice, LexisNexis, 2024). She was awarded the Property Council Central Region Judge’s Choice Award in 2022 for her contribution to the industry.

Dr Aroon Parshotam of Hamilton

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Aroon has over 25 years of experience in environmental science, environmental management and economics. Aroon also participates in various science management groups including being on the editorial board of Frontiers of Environmental Economics in Ecological Economics.

Dr David Pattemore of Morrinsville

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

David is a Waikato-based scientist, ecologist and entrepreneur known for his expertise in pollination biology, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife monitoring technology. He has held senior roles at Plant & Food Research and the University of Auckland, and now runs a company offering technology for remote monitoring of wildlife. David is widely recognised for his research into ecosystem services, crop pollination, and New Zealand conservation science. 

Don Scarlet of Hamilton 

Appointment term: 16 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Don Scarlet MNZM is a Strategic Advisor with Mercury NZ and a highly respected Waikato community leader. Over nearly three decades with Mercury, he has built strong relationships with iwi, landowners, and community organisations while championing environmental stewardship and regional wellbeing. Don has served in governance roles with numerous conservation and community organisations and is recognised for his passion for the people, places, and natural environments of the Waikato.

Paula Southgate of Hamilton

Appointment term: 16 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Paula is a New Zealand local government leader who served as Mayor of Hamilton from 2019 to 2025. A former Chair of the Waikato Regional Council, she has extensive experience in governance, environmental management, and community development, and is known for her collaborative approach to regional growth and sustainability.

Dr Amelia Williams of Paeroa

Appointment term: 16 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Dr Amelia Williams has held governance and executive leader roles spanning over four decades of experience driving iwi development, treaty settlements, and regional growth across Hauraki and the Waikato. Currently serving as Executive Chairman of a Post-Settlement Treaty Governance Entity, Treaty Negotiator for Ngāti Tara Tokanui, and Director of Pouarua Farms. She also holds 47 years stewardship as the Managing Trustee for the Patutuna and Mangaiti Trusts. Her leadership is backed by senior roles in the Ministry of Education and the Hauraki Māori Trust Board, as well as founding Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki. Amelia's doctoral research focuses on praxis methodology as a change process to achieve societal mātauranga and iwi mana motuhake.

Iwi Affiliations: Ngāti Tara Tokanui