Conservation board draws on wealth of expertise

Two new members have been appointed to the Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservation Board, bringing with them a wealth of expertise.

Dr Jonathan Procter, a lecturer in earth science at Massey University in Palmerston North, and Richard Steedman, a strategic development manager with Otaihape Maori Komiti in Taihape, have both served on other conservation boards.

Dr Procter, a member of the Taranaki/Whanganui Conservation Board from 2003-09, has worked on environmental policy, natural-resource management and iwi development for Tanenuiarangi Manawatu, the iwi authority of Rangitaane O Manawatu.

"Over the past 10 years Dr Procter has developed a sustainable environmental centre within the iwi, undertaking a range of tasks from education, monitoring, cultural-impact assessment, resource management and articulation of cultural values within the Manawatu," Department of Conservation Wellington Hawke's Bay conservator Alan McKenzie said.

Mr Steedman, a member of the Taranaki/Whanganui Conservation Board since 2008, is a member of the four Iwi Runanga of the confederated Iwi of Mokai Patea (Central and Upper Rangitikei). He is also involved in many conservation projects, with a focus on iwi and community involvement and economic sustainability.

Board chairman Kevin Trerise, from Havelock North, has been reappointed for another term.

A self-employed business coach and personal mentor since 2005, Mr Trerise brings a deep appreciation of conservation matters and experience in promoting sustainability as chairman of Sustaining Hawke's Bay Trust, and as a national board member of Sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand.

Two board members, Ra Pomare and Helen Algar, have finished their terms.

The board's district extends from the bottom of the North Island to the mouth of the Turakina River in the west, and across to the east coast where it extends to Mahia Peninsula. It is the same area as the DoC Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy but excludes the Chatham Islands.