Tama Potaka Welcomes New and Returning Conservation Board Members

"We extend a warm ‘nau mai haere mai’ to our new board members and a ‘hoki mai’ to those returning to continue their valuable work," said Minister Potaka.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced 64 new appointments to New Zealand’s 14 Conservation Boards, a move aimed at bolstering environmental protection efforts across the country.

The newly appointed members will play a pivotal role in bridging the Department of Conservation (DOC) with regional communities, ensuring that the public voice is heard and acted upon regarding conservation concerns. Conservation Boards serve as independent bodies, empowering local communities and iwi to actively participate in managing conservation areas and advocating for environmental needs at both regional and national levels.

"We extend a warm ‘nau mai haere mai’ to our new board members and a ‘hoki mai’ to those returning to continue their valuable work," said Minister Potaka. "I’d also like to extend my heartfelt ‘ngā mihi’ to the outgoing representatives whose contributions have been essential to conservation efforts in their regions.”

The Minister shared that 394 applicants vied for positions on the boards, underscoring the high level of community engagement and commitment to conservation. The selection process focused on balancing a diverse range of skills and experiences that the appointees bring to the table. Minister Potaka is optimistic about the impact this new team will have.

"The level of passion and expertise our new board members bring fills me with hope that together we can achieve meaningful progress for Aotearoa’s native species and ecosystems,” he said.

The appointments, which took effect on 1 November 2024, will support DOC’s long-term goals, from habitat restoration and species protection to climate resilience initiatives. This latest round of appointments reflects a renewed focus on connecting regional voices with DOC's conservation objectives to foster stronger environmental stewardship across New Zealand.