Date:  29 January 2019 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

Edward Ellison is the new Chairperson of the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA), Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.

Edward Ellison, NZCA Chairperson

A sheep farmer on the Otago Peninsula, Mr Ellison has previously served on the NZCA, Otago Conservation Board, Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Board, the South-East Marine Protection Forum and the Otago University Council. 

The NZCA is a national statutory body that provides strategic policy advice to the Department of Conservation and the Minister.  It also has statutory functions around approving conservation management strategies and national park management plans. 

Mr Ellison is an active member of Otakou Marae and former Deputy Kaiwhakahaere of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu, with experience in cultural advocacy, Treaty of Waitangi claim negotiations, environmental management, policy development and governance. 

"Edward Ellison was appointed after a public nomination process where 30 people were put forward and is well qualified for this role," said Eugenie Sage.

"Not only is he a qualified and independent RMA hearings commissioner with experience in policy, plan change and resource consent hearings for councils across the South Island, but he is also chairperson of Otago based environmental consultancy Aukaha and the Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Committee.

"Edward Ellison has broad work experience, covering environmental, land and animal husbandry. This experience is coupled with ambassadorial or representative roles in extending cultural / Treaty partnerships at non-government organisation, community, local government and government sector at all levels.

"He holds advisory roles with the South Island High Country Forum (Land Information NZ), the NZ Biodiversity Strategy (DOC) review and the Kahui Kaumatua (Environmental Protection Authority). I look forward to the level of experience and expertise Edward Ellison will bring to this important role," said Eugenie Sage. 

"I would also like to acknowledge and thank Dame Kerry Prendergast for her time at the helm of the NZCA as Acting Chairperson.

"Dame Kerry has generously shared her wealth of knowledge and guided the Conservation Authority for the past six months."

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