Dr Mike Legge of Charleston (Chairperson)

Appointment Term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027

Mike is an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences. He has previously served on the Conservation Board from 2011-17, when he helped develop the Paparoa National Park Management Plan. He has been heavily involved in conservation, both in a practical and in a governance capacity for many years. Mike has Chaired a number of international scientific and ethics committees relating to health sciences including European Commission Expert Panels on Biological Sciences and Ethics. He has a strong interest in policy development, public participation processes, advocacy and policy communication. Most recently, he was a member on the Aquatic Working Group and was involved in the establishment of the National Plan of Action for Seabirds in 2020.  Currently he Chairs the Faculty of Science, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and provides expert advice to scientific health professional groups in New Zealand. Mike was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae.  

Veronica Baldwin of Christchurch

Appointment Term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2027

Veronica (Ngāti Waewae, Ngāi Tahu) is from the West Coast – Te Tai Poutini. She is a managing director of an environmental and conservation consultancy, which provides advice to Ngāi Tahu, Poutini Ngāi Tahu, and a range of government agencies. She is recognised for her skills and expertise in Māori governance, collaboration with central and local government, community engagement, policy development and implementation, and parliamentary processes. Veronica is an experienced resource management and environmental policy professional and has extensive experience in working for her iwi and hapū, and with central and local government.  

Danual Cattermoul of Greymouth

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027

Dan (Ngāi Tahu) has experience in fundraising for a number of nature conservation organisations and brings a strong advocacy focus to the Board. He also provides an in-depth understanding of Te Tiriti principles from an environmental perspective, which goes hand in hand with his past work experience. Working in community engagement within the Health sector, there are strong overlaps of hearing and responding to the needs of the communities. 

Abby Hamilton of Greymouth 

Appointment term: 7 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Abby Hamilton (Ngāi Tahu) is Learning Area Leader of Social Sciences at John Paul II High School in Greymouth/Māwhera and brings a diverse background in conservation, environmental education, tourism, and applied research. A Lincoln University Master of Applied Science graduate, Abby’s research focuses on Māori-led tourism, climate change adaptation, and the role of mātauranga Māori in building resilient communities. Her experience spans teaching & learning, Department of Conservation field roles, park management, outdoor recreation, and visitor engagement within the tourism sector. Grounded in kaitiakitanga and a strong connection to te taiao, Abby is passionate about enhancing environmental, social, and economic resilience through collaborative, place-based approaches that support conservation outcomes, balanced development, and strong, connected communities.

Lucretia Maitland of Hokitika

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2028

Lucretia is a passionate advocate for all things West Coast. A fifth-generation West Coaster with a background in Agriculture and Tourism. Currently the Hokitika I-site Visitor Information Centre Manager, Te Wheke Digital Hub project lead in rural Westland, Chair of the Lake Kaniere Scenic Triathlon Committee, and member of the West Coast Sports Awards committee. People, environment and economic focused, Lucretia is strongly engaged around the betterment of the region, for people, animals and the environment as a whole.  

Jacob Manera of Hokitika 

Appointment term: 7 July to 30 June 2029

Jacob (Poutini Kāi Tahu) is an environmental practitioner based on Te Tai Poutini. As a Kairangahau for Pōkeka Environmental, his areas of interest include freshwater, climate change adaptation, mahinga kai, and the integration of mātauranga Māori and Western science. Being Kāti Waewae, and a proud descendant of pioneering families, Jacob’s West Coast roots run deep. He is committed to the success and wellbeing of West Coast communities, and the protection and enhancement of the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Dr Lisa Steenhauer of Greymouth

Appointment Term: 23 November 2021 to 30 June 2028

Lisa is the Head of Learning, Science at Westland High School in Hokitika; her teaching background provides advanced communication skills, with the ability to speak publicly on complex issues. Lisa has a PhD in Aquatic Microbial Ecology and a MSc in Zoology; her education and experience as a PhD researcher demonstrate excellent scientific knowledge and understanding, particularly of New Zealand species and biodiversity. Lisa was a member of Kawatiri Freshwater Management Unit, an advisory Committee of the West Coast Regional Council for freshwater quality and has previously contracted to the Department of Conservation as a Technical Freshwater Advisor. 

John Taylor of Reefton

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2028

John is a mining heritage consultant offering a unique perspective of both primary industry and the heritage space. Being a former Board member, he is seen as having a very level head, good skills and experience as a member and always brought that community connection to the table. Mr Taylor has extensive knowledge of the West Coast and is an enthusiastic supporter of the Reefton community’s preservation and promotion of the regions heritage sites and use for recreational activities. He is the New Zealand representative on the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy’s Heritage Committee and is a member of the Geoscience Society of New Zealand’s Geoheritage Subcommittee. 

Francois Tumahai of Hokitika

Appointment term: 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027

Francois Tumahai (Ngāti Waewae, Ngāi Tahu and Ngati Whatua Orakei) is the CEO of Arahura Holding Limited and Chair of Te Runanga o Ngāti Waewae. Francois started his career as a mechanic and has over 25 years’ experience in heavy machinery. Francois is involved in the mining industry and a board member of the New Zealand Institute for Minerals to Materials Research. As CEO of Arahura Holding Limited, Francois is also involved in the management of the extraction and mining of pounamu (greenstone). Francois has over 15 years of governance experience as a company director and 20 years of governance experience with not-for-profit organisations. He is currently also on the boards of Development West Coast, Grey District Council, and the West Coast Regional Council. 

Robert Wilson of South Westland

Appointment term: 14 December 2021 to 30 June 2027

Robert (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe – Kati Māhaki ki Makaawhio hapū) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Robert is a dairy farmer and seventh generation South Westlander, who grew up practicing traditional mahinga kai and mātauranga Māori. He has followed a passion for hunting and fishing all over the West Coast and, throughout his 40+ years of residing in the area, has developed extensive community networks. Robert is Chair and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio representative on the South Westland Freshwater Management Unit, and Tangata Tiaki for Ngāti Mahaki (Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio).