New Leadership Boost for NZ’s Environmental Protection Authority

Minister Grigg emphasized that the appointments are designed to enhance the EPA’s capacity to navigate increasingly complex environmental challenges.

New Zealand's environmental governance framework is set for a strategic boost following the appointment of two high-profile leaders and the reappointment of an experienced board member to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Environment Minister Nicola Grigg announced.

The move is being positioned as a significant step toward reinforcing the EPA's capability at a time when the country faces mounting environmental pressures, evolving climate commitments, and increasing regulatory complexity.

Strategic Appointments Signal Stronger Climate Focus

Lisa Tumahai, a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), and Professor Nicola Shadbolt, an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), have been appointed to the EPA Board for three-year terms, bringing with them decades of leadership across governance, climate policy, and industry.

Tumahai, who currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Climate Change Commission, is widely recognised for her leadership across iwi, commercial, and public sector organisations. Her appointment is expected to deepen the EPA's integration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi considerations, alongside strengthening its approach to climate policy and environmental stewardship.

Her governance experience spans sectors critical to New Zealand's sustainability agenda, positioning her as a key figure in aligning environmental regulation with indigenous perspectives and national climate goals.

Professor Nicola Shadbolt brings more than 30 years of governance experience, including roles across government agencies, agribusiness, and international advisory boards. A former Climate Change Commissioner, she is known globally for her expertise in primary sector systems, agricultural sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.

Her appointment comes at a time when New Zealand's agricultural sector—responsible for nearly half of the country's greenhouse gas emissions—is under increasing pressure to transition toward more sustainable practices while maintaining global competitiveness.

Strengthening the EPA's Capability

Minister Grigg emphasized that the appointments are designed to enhance the EPA's capacity to navigate increasingly complex environmental challenges.

"Together, these appointments bring a strong mix of governance, regulatory, scientific, and climate expertise to the EPA," she said.

The EPA plays a central role in regulating hazardous substances, managing environmental risks, and supporting New Zealand's obligations under international environmental agreements. With climate change, biodiversity loss, and land-use pressures intensifying, the agency's decisions carry growing economic and social implications.

Industry observers note that strengthening the EPA board with leaders who understand both policy and real-world implementation is critical for ensuring balanced, effective regulation.

Continuity and Leadership Transition

Alongside the new appointments, Mary Anne Macleod has been reappointed to the board for a further one-year term. First appointed in 2019, Macleod will take on the role of Deputy Chair from 1 July 2026, providing continuity during the leadership transition.

Her reappointment is expected to ensure stability as the board integrates its new members and continues to oversee key regulatory decisions.

Minister Grigg also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Deputy Chair Paul Connell, who is stepping down after more than seven and a half years of service.

"I would like to thank Paul Connell for his significant contributions to the EPA Board over the past seven and a half years," she said.

Timing and Transition

Lisa Tumahai officially began her term on 4 May 2026, while Professor Shadbolt will commence her role on 1 July 2026, aligning with the board's leadership transition timeline.

A Critical Moment for Environmental Governance

The appointments come at a pivotal time for New Zealand, as the government works to balance environmental protection with economic growth. With increasing scrutiny on climate commitments, resource management reforms, and sustainability standards, the EPA's role is becoming more influential than ever.

Analysts suggest that the inclusion of leaders with deep expertise in climate governance, indigenous engagement, and primary industries reflects a deliberate effort to future-proof the agency's decision-making.

As environmental challenges grow more complex, the strengthened EPA board is expected to play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact industries, communities, and ecosystems across the country.