Sara Arhaim of Wellington
Appointment term: 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2026
Sara is a Strategic Operations Director with a background in law and accounting. She brings knowledge and experience particularly in the planning and CMS reporting space. She has skills in nature conservation, community engagement, governance, and planning. Ms Arhaim has a good understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and section 4 obligations and is well connected with the community.
Ross Browne of Lower Hutt
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Ross is a Wellington-based company director and consultant. His professional experience includes managing infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive environments, and training and development in the search and rescue sector.
His recreation interests include tramping, hunting, and mountain biking. He has volunteered with various environmental and outdoor education groups in Wellington, Horowhenua and Central Hawke’s Bay. Ross also volunteers in the search and rescue sector.
Pamela (Pam) Crisp of Lower Hutt
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028
Pam is co-director of the Nature Through Arts Collective Trust – lives in Lower Hutt. She previously worked for DOC for 25 years in the community engagement space. Pam brings extensive knowledge and experience in nature conservation, community engagement and governance.
Huia Gray of Waikanae
Appointment Term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2026
Huia is currently Team Leader – Community Capability & Change at Greater Wellington Regional Council, where she leads a team who predominantly work on taiao volunteer support mechanisms across the region. She brings extensive experience in environmental leadership, iwi engagement with previous roles at Kāhu Environmental and the Department of Conservation as well as many volunteer roles. Huia has also worked in adult education and youth development as a Tauira Support Advisor at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and a Kaiako/Tutor at Whitireia, and earlier as a sea kayak guide in the Abel Tasman National Park. She is passionate about connecting people with te taiao and supporting sustainable, community-led restoration.
Sally Lee of Feilding
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
With over 20 years in the agribusiness sector, Sally has played pivotal roles in environmental restoration and community collaboration. In Hawke's Bay, she contributed to the Pekapeka Swamp plan, working with DOC, Fish and Game, iwi, and the community. Sally also developed the Esplanade Strip under the RMA, focusing on riparian management and coastal dune protection. More recently, she has worked with the Waihi Estuary in the Bay of Plenty to promote sustainable farming practices. As a former farmer, she understands landowners' perspectives and has actively participated in native planting initiatives. An avid tramper, she has enjoyed exploring the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges.
Mackenzie Nicol of Lower Hutt
Appointment Term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028
Mackenzie is a strategic leader with a strong background in environmental policy, biosecurity, and science governance. As National Manager for Mycoplasma bovis at OSPRI, she leads national efforts to manage and eradicate one of New Zealand’s most significant livestock diseases.
She has held senior roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries, where she contributed to water and climate policy, and has experience in science and innovation through her work at Callaghan Innovation and the Measurement Standards Laboratory.
Mackenzie holds a Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Massey University and has served on the board of House of Science NZ, promoting science education and environmental awareness. She is passionate about collaborative, evidence-based approaches and is committed to protecting Aotearoa’s natural heritage for future generations.
Anahera Nin of Wellington
Appointment Term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026
Anahera is Policy and Engagement Advisor for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira – lives in Porirua and whakapapa’s to Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa, Tauranga Moana and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. She is Te Whanganui-ā-Tara Representative to Papa Pounamu – NZ Planning Institute. Anahera brings strong knowledge and experience in nature conservation, community engagement, governance, planning and kaitiakitanga and has been appointed for a term of 3 years.
Ashley Webby of Masterton
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Ashley is a Senior Biodiversity Advisor with the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), where she leads the fish passage improvement project. Ashley is experienced in fostering strong relationships with mana whenua and communities to ensure their perspectives and knowledge are integrated into her work, particularly in relation to freshwater ecosystems. In previous roles, she led regional ecology and water quality programs.
With a deep commitment to biodiversity and freshwater ecology, as well as strong relationship-building skills, Ashley continues to play a pivotal role in the preservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems in the Wellington region.
Whakapono Waikare of Masterton
Appointment Term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028
Whakapono Waikare of Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāti Hāmua, an advisor for the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi Development Trust. He brings experience from diverse mahi, including shearing, farm hand, cray fishing, deep sea fishing and local government liaison work. Actively involved in trusts such as Hinana Lands Trust and Koko-Liz Mokopuna Whānau Trust, and Whakapono is committed to strengthening whānau, hapū, and iwi connections. Passionate about environmental protection, he advocates for the health of waterways and sea life, ensuring sustainability for generations to come. Outside of mahi, he enjoys walking the reserves, rugby, whānau time, diving, hunting, and foraging wild kai. He is currently studying Māori laws, philosophy, and the art of whaikōrero and karakia.
Asher Wilson-Goldman of Paraparaumu (Co-Chairperson)
Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2028
Asher has strong community engagement skills in both central and local government, including in the outdoor recreation sector. He offers knowledge of the machinery of government, and provides extensive experience in communications, partnerships, planning and strategy. He also has governance and advisory board experience, and is currently the Independent Chair at Toi Mahara Joint Monitoring Group, an arts sector oversight body, a member of the Wellington Local Advisory Committee for Fire & Emergency NZ, and on the steering group for Predator Free Kāpiti Coast.