WELCOME TO THE CONSERVATION BOARDS' NEWSLETTER 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Keep up to date with the activities of Conservation Boards around Aotearoa New Zealand. In this issue discover highlights from Te Hiku o Te Ika, Waikato, Tongariro/Taupo, Taranaki/Whanganui, Chatham Islands, West Coast Tai Poutini, Otago, and Southland Conservation Boards. 

Issue 38: December 2025

The team unites at Arahura Marae to announce Stewardship Land decisions

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Tēnā koutou katoa

As 2025 draws to a close, it feels poignant to look back on the year and the progress made across conservation this year. While some are winding down, the responsibility to care for our taiao continues, every day and in every season.

I have now been Minister of Conservation for two years. Over that time, we have focused on restoring clarity, balance, and long-term direction to the conservation system, protecting what must be protected, and enabling sensible use where it supports communities, jobs, and growth. Our taonga and taiao are in a stronger position than they were.

I want to begin by acknowledging the response to the recent fires at Tongariro. This place is deeply important to me and is one of our most significant national landscapes. Fires of this scale have real consequences for biodiversity, local communities, visitor access, and revenue. While the full impacts are still being assessed, the response was swift and effective. I thank FENZ, DOC, Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, Ngāti Rangi, and others who worked alongside the community to protect lives, whenua, and values. Their mahi prevented far worse outcomes.

This year, we were pleased to finally deliver the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, completing more than a decade of work. This was a significant step forward for marine protection, establishing 12 new high-protection areas, five seafloor protection areas, and two extended marine reserves. This achievement belongs to the Iwi, communities, scientists, and advocates who stayed committed over many years. Te taiao cannot advocate for itself, but through persistence and partnership, its voice has been heard.

Just last week, I announced long-awaited decisions on the 576 stewardship land reclassification proposals for the West Coast of the South Island. These proposals were publicly notified in 2022 and had sat unresolved for too long. Proceeding with around 80 per cent of them provides certainty and appropriate protection that reflects both conservation and cultural values. I want to thank Iwi, local communities, submitters, and DOC staff for their engagement and patience throughout this process.

This year also saw an important decision to include feral cats in the Predator Free 2050 target list. This strengthens protection for native wildlife, provides better tools for communities, and reduces impacts on farmers, whānau, and the wider economy. DOC received close to 3,400 submissions, with more than 90 per cent supporting stronger feral cat management. New Zealanders want a future rich in birdlife, and I am proud that this decision reflects that expectation.

Minister visiting the Arhtur's Pass Visitor Centre

Alongside protection, we have also been clear that conservation and economic growth can, and must, work together. One third of New Zealand’s land sits within the conservation estate. Managed well, it can support tourism, regional jobs, infrastructure, and investment, while still safeguarding the places that matter most to New Zealanders. Fixing broken systems, like the concessions regime, and reinvesting revenue back into high-pressure sites, is part of building a conservation system that is both sustainable and fair.

Finally, I want to acknowledge all of you; DOC staff, Iwi, volunteers, and communities, whose work underpins everything we do. Conservation succeeds when responsibility is shared and decisions are made with the long term in mind.

When we work together, we protect not just places but future generations.

Meri Kirihimete, ā, me te mihi nui ki a koutou katoa mō ā koutou mahi.

Mauriora

Hon Tama Potaka

Minister of Conservation | Minita mō Te Papa Atawhai

UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS

TE HIKU O TE IKA

Evening sun, from the Ahipara Golf Club - combined dinner for the Te Hiku Conservation Board and
New Zealand Conservation Authority | Photo by Rick McGovern-Wilson

Exploring Te Taiao Across Te Hiku o Te Ika

8 October – Raetea Forest, Lake Ngātu, Lake Waiparera, Te Kao

Te Hiku Conservation Board and the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) gathered in Kaitaia on 8 October for a full day haerenga to key sites across Te Hiku o Te Ika. This visit strengthened relationships with iwi partners, deepened insight into local conservation priorities, and highlighted the collaborative mahi underway across the Department of Conservation (DOC) to protect Aotearoa’s biodiversity, places, and heritage.

Raetea Forest – Te Rarawa. Focus: Kauri Ora | Te Taiao | Whakawhanaungatanga.
Hosted by Sheena Penwarden (Te Rarawa).

At Raetea, one of the significant ngahere of Te Hiku, the group was welcomed by representatives of Te Rarawa. Discussions centred on the forest’s ecological significance, including vital kauri ecosystems and the ongoing threats posed by kauri dieback.

DOC’s national work on kauri protection—track upgrades, hygiene stations, surveillance, and partnership-driven forest management—framed the kōrero, emphasising the shared responsibility to safeguard taonga species and ecosystems.

The session also included whakawhanaungatanga, providing space to strengthen relationships between iwi, the Board, NZCA members, and DOC staff.

Te Taiao Te Rarawa site visit | Photo by Leanne Hay

Lake Ngātu – NgāiTakoto. Focus: Te Taiao | Customary Connections to Wai.
Hosted by Rangitane Marsden & Wiremu Marsden (NgāiTakoto).

Arriving at Lake Ngātu, the group was welcomed by NgāiTakoto kaitiaki who shared the history and cultural importance of this freshwater taonga. The kōrero touched on the challenges and opportunities in managing water quality, recreational pressures, and habitat restoration.

DOC’s broader freshwater protection work—including community partnerships, biodiversity restoration, and threat management—connected strongly to the site-specific issues raised by NgāiTakoto. The group enjoyed lunch on-site before continuing north.

Lake Ngatu | Photo by Leanne Hay

Te Kao – Te Aupōuri. Focus: Te Taiao | Kaitiakitanga Across Te Ara Whānui o Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē. Hosted by Niki Conrad (Te Aupōuri).

At the Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri office, the rōpū engaged in an in-depth session with Te Aupōuri representatives. Conversation focused on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (Ninety Mile Beach), local biodiversity values, and the iwi-led governance approach that underpins the management plan for this iconic coastal landscape.

Key topics included:

• Predator control efforts across the northern peninsula
• The role of iwi–Crown partnerships in long-term conservation
• Pressures facing coastal dune systems and threatened species
• Pressures of balancing relationships to ensure DOC remains unbiased and does not play favourites with tender processes
• Challenges faced when external governmental organisations (Auckland University) bypass DOC and partner with one hapu when undertaking scientific projects, creating an imbalance between hapu that both have customary rights. This highlights the need to create an operational plan outlining how the CMS will create a fair pipeline for investment and engagement, how milestones will be reported once operative, and the need to identify high-risk biodiversity areas and species within Te Hiku, and
• Importance of weaving mātauranga Māori with DOC science and operational work.

Tipene Kapa-Kingi speaking to the NZCA and Board | Photo by Leanne Hay 

Return to Kaitaia

The haerenga highlighted the interconnectedness of people and place across Te Hiku, showcasing how DOC’s national work programme—biodiversity protection, partnerships, biosecurity, visitor management, and heritage care—comes to life through local collaboration and iwi leadership.

The day reinforced the value of partnership-driven conservation, aligning with DOC’s organisational focus on working alongside iwi, hapū, and whānau to restore and protect Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity.

Ngā mihi to Te Rarawa, NgāiTakoto, and Te Aupōuri for their generous hosting and insightful kōrero, and to all participants for contributing to a meaningful and productive site visit.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Te Hiku o Te Ika Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

NORTHLAND

Mike Te Wake, Nyze Manuel, Nga Kaitiaki o Te Rarawa showcasing all of their kaimahi from the Jobs 4 Nature funds to a smaller team working for conservation | Photo by Nyze Manuel

Board Priorities

It has been a good year for the NCB, despite a few challenges along the way.  We navigated shifting legislation, periods of uncertainty, and the wait for new member appointments, but the year has ended on a strong and positive note.  With a complete Board, renewed energy and clear kaupapa for 2026, we are well-positioned to continue advocating for te taiao and the communities of Te Taitokerau Northland.

Rangatahi to Rangatira

A priority kaupapa for NCB is to involve rangatahi in conservation learning opportunities, education, and the nurturing of our future kaitiaki. Throughout the year, we have been seeking opportunities to engage and tautoko our rangatahi:

• Join selected site visits
• Engage in iwi and hapū environmental programmes, and
• Explore conservation career pathways.

This kaupapa aims to build inter-generational stewardship and strengthen connections to the place we serve.

Strengthening Partnerships with Iwi & Hapū

The Board will continue to deepen relationships with iwi and hapū across Te Taitokerau by:

• Engaging early on proposals
• Ensuring mātauranga Māori informs our understanding of impacts, and
• Supporting iwi and hapū-led conservation initiatives.

These partnerships remain central to achieving enduring conservation outcomes in our region.

Economics & Conservation in Te Taitokerau

Opening our thinking of how we make conservation appealing and attractive for international visitors to visit our beautiful home: 

• Engage in economical hui with communities, hapū and Iwi 
• Work with agencies to see where we can help share a vision, and
• Make Te Taitokerau conservation one of the highlights of this country.

Meeting highlights

On 21 November the formal Board meeting was held online. 

Key issues raised: 

• Fast-track responsiveness
• Biosecurity
• Dunes & Lakes & Freshwater health
• Waipoua & Puketi Forest Health
• Introduction of our new Board members into respective portfolios.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Northland Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

WAIKATO

WCB and DOC at Lake Waikare Whangamarino

Meetings

Our 2025 meetings were held on: 25 February at the Whitianga DOC office; 30 May, online; 18 July at Hamilton's DOC office; and 27 November, also in Hamilton. 

Key issues

• The fire which burned through over a thousand hectares of the Whangamarino Wetland in October 2024.
• Opening of Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
• Resignation of Ritesh Chandra as Statutory Manager, December 2024.
• Concern over limited opportunities for Board input under new Fast-Track legislation.
• Working with landowners to remove fallow deer found in Coromandel Forest Park.
• Confirmation of 2026 hui dates.

Field trip highlights

• 24 February: opening of Mautohe / Cathedral Cove, with Matt Flynn. Appreciated the work and significant number of visitors to the site.

• 18 July: trek through Kaniwhaniwha clearing, led by Cara Hansen. Kōrero by Craig on work in the area, including trapping, flood response, and planting. Planted trees in memory of the previous Board Support Officer, Tanya Hadfield.

• 28 November: Lake Waikare and Whangamarino fire site viewing. Lizzie Sharp attended as the Whangamarino and Lake Waikare expert from DOC. Ngā Muka member Kelvin Tupuhi engaged all members in his kōrero with his knowledge of, and connection to his whenua. We noted the wetland is slowly recovering, however severely polluted water is flowing from Lake Waikare into the Whangamarino Wetlands and Koi Carp are plentiful.

Other activities

• 13 December 2024 - induction of three new Board members.
• 24 June 2025 - online presentation by Elvisa Van Der Lede, Forest and Bird & Coromandel Watchdog.
• Submissions and comments made by the WCB Subcommittee on Waihi North FTAA-2504-1046.

WCB and DOC at Kaniwhaniwha

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Waikato Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

TONGARIRO/TAUPO

The pou whenua at the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Photo by DOC

Board Priorities

The Board’s priorities focus on maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with our Te Tiriti partners as Kaitiaki, while supporting conservation efforts across our rohe. Key areas include monitoring initiatives such as Herds of Special Interest (HOSI) in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, partnering in recovery efforts following the Tongariro fire, and fostering ongoing collaboration with DOC. We also provide informed feedback on Government modernisation plans and fast-track applications to ensure the protection and sustainability of our conservation estate.

Meeting highlights

Our most recent meetings were 17 July - Taupō DOC office, 25 September – Whakapapa DOC office (cancelled due to bereavement), and 13 November - Tūrangi DOC office.

Key issues

• Herds of Special Interest (HOSI)
• Tongariro hut and track upgrades, such as the Oturere hut and Mangatepopo hut and track
• Fast-Track Approvals Act
• CMS - Continues to be outdated, pending the conservation modernisation project and conservation law reform
• Concession applications - Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, The Girl Guides Association NZ Inc, Whakapapa Holdings Ltd.

Other Highlights

• ‘Always be naturing’ campaign, online presentation delivered by Vicki Connor from the DOC Public Affairs Team
• The SIKA Foundation, Cam Speedy & Tim Maule addressed the Board

• Farewell to Honey Winter, previous Chair of the Board and Te Ngaehe Wanikau, the Board's Ngāti Tūwharetoa representative.

December's Tongariro fire | Photo from DOC collection

Other activities

• Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, a lifetime member of the Board and paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, passed away. The Board sent a letter of condolences to his whānau.

• Tongariro National Park Fire. A letter of thanks was sent to the responders of the fire from the Board. 

• The Tongariro Taupō and East Coast/Hawke’s Bay Conservation Board members joined an online workshop with Dave Carlton regarding the draft Herd Management Plan (HMP) for the proposed Sika HOSI.

• Conservation heroes - a new initiative for the Board to connect with the community. Guests are invited to Board meetings to showcase the difference they’re making in the community.

Media releases

• Kiwis to have their say on Herds of Special Interest: Media release 8 November 2025
• Kua rāhuitia te maunga - Rāhui extended across Tongariro maunga following devastating fire :Media release 11 November 2025
• Tongariro rāhui explained: Media release 12 November 2025
• Tongariro National Park fire pānui: Media release 12 November 2025
• Tongariro National Park fire pānui #2: Media release 13 November 2025
• Tongariro National Park fire pānui #3: Media release 14 November 2025 
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing reopens: Media release 16 November 2025

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Tongariro Taupo Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website or check out our Facebook page Tongariro-Taupō Conservation Board Facebook. 

TARANAKI WHANGANUI

Whanganui River | Photo from DOC collection

Board priorities

The Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board regularly reviews strategic priorities and reporting requirements to remain effective, with current priorities for 2024–2028 including supporting Te Mana o te Taiao implementation, Te Awa Tupua strategy, and monitoring legislative changes. The Board requests regular updates on biodiversity work, marine protection education and monitoring, and modernising conservation legislation to ensure informed decision-making.

Meeting highlights

Friday, 20 September 2024

• Kia Whārite 1080 operation: discussed how the Managapuru/Maraekowhai 1080 operation aligns with the long-term plan for Whanganui National Park.
• Kiwi monitoring: monitoring continues, with data being captured for potential long-term study.
• Ungulate control: the current programme is not yet holding the line. DOC signalled upcoming work to improve how ungulate impacts are managed.
• Marine response coastal map: work for the Whanganui coastline is complete. The Board noted its potential value for other organisations (e.g., LandSAR).
• Gordon Park Scenic Reserve: received an overview of the reserve and its goals, including the Friends of Gordon Park model supporting day-to-day management.
• Weed control and drone use: drones may provide a more viable option for weed control in the Whanganui River Trench.
• Visitor impacts and track/bridge upgrades: ongoing work on the Mangapurua Track / Bridge to Nowhere remains complex and costly, with planned network upgrades supporting more sustainable track management.

Friday, 29 November 2024

• Working alongside Te Ātiawa Iwi on the redevelopment of the North Taranaki Visitor Centre.
• The Taranaki Maunga project is progressing well.
• The Mangapiko cycleway is open.
• Noted the 40th anniversary of the Project Tongariro helicopter crash (1984).
• Two members attended a public forum on TTRL mining plans; the Board encouraged connecting with local iwi and Eco NZ for advocacy support.
• Discussed the Minister’s modernising conservation document and agreed to attend an online session in January 2025.
• Supported James Stuteley’s proposal for Gordon Park Scenic Reserve, including biocontrols for weed management ahead of expanded native planting; a letter of support was provided. 

Tuesday, 11 February 2025 online via Microsoft Teams

• Confirmed the Board’s role in supporting nominations to the Te Tōpuni Kōkōrangi Board.
• Requested urgent consultation on fast-track processes.
• Discussed advocacy priorities: biodiversity protection, iwi-led initiatives, and clearer statutory roles.
• Considered freedom camping and concerns about impacts on conservation areas.

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at Ngāmotu Office, New Plymouth

• Fast-track process: raised concerns about the Board’s involvement to date.
• Noted Mitchy Samson is covering Board Support while Tanya is on leave.
• Freedom camping at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre continues to raise concerns; carpark management is included in the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Act 2025.

Thursday, 7 August 2025 at DOC Office, Whanganui

• Board recognised the passing of the previous Board Support Officer, Tanya Hadfield, and honoured her contribution by planting a tree alongside the Waikato CB.
• Acknowledged the newly appointed support team.
• NCPS consultation and submission planning.
• Celia Haden and Siobhan Quayle gave a presentation on Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 and also DOC's involvement in the process.
• Presentation by Forest and Bird on TTRL.

Field trip highlights

28 April 2025 – Taranaki
Te Ātiawa hosted a site visit to historic reserves currently managed by DOC.

Sites visited:

• Pukerangiora Pā
• Mahoetahi Pā
• Ratapihipihi Reserve

Key takeaways:

• We heard kōrero at each site on its history and current conservation and iwi/hapū context.
• The Board noted DOC’s current management capacity does not always align with iwi/hapū/whānau aspirations.
• We discussed how different management approaches could better enable shared goals. Board members agreed to seek further information from DOC on options for progressing this, where appropriate, after hearing that a similar model has been implemented in the Whanganui region with Gordon Park.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Taranaki Whanganui Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

CHATHAM ISLANDS

Papua | Chatham Island shags (Leucocarbo onslowi) at Manukau Kawenata, Ouenga / Owenga,
Rēkohu / Wharekauri / Chatham | Photo by Rob Chappell

Board Priorities

The key priority of the Chatham Islands Conservation Board, aside from inducting new members, has been working with the Chatham Islands community, local representatives of iwi, council, Chatham Landscape Restoration Trust (CLRT), Taiko Trust, and Predator Free to adjust to the major changes resulting from the May 2024 restructuring of the Chatham Islands Department of Conservation (DOC) Team. This has included a raft of issues e.g., how best to deal with whale strandings, reserve maintenance, weed/pest animal control, island biosecurity, island DOC staff morale, and Treaty partner expectations.

Aside from these issues, which are primarily ensuring that all concerned parties understand each other and work better together, there has been the ongoing wild pig problem, which is now sufficiently serious that MPI have stepped in to consider it. Conservation Board member Denny Prendeville has been liaising with MPI, Chatham Council, and islanders, and reports regularly back to the Board on developments.

The five-yearly strategic plan is also a major focus, especially how it relates to threatened plant and animal management on the main islands of Rēkohu | Wharekauri | Chatham and Rangihaute | Rangiauria | Pitt Island.

Meeting highlights

Since the last newsletter, we have held two meetings on the island (in August and November). The Board decided that on-site, rather than online meetings, are essential to ensure islanders have an opportunity to engage with the Board.

Monday, 25 August 2025, at Kaingaroa Sheep Shearers Accommodation

Representatives of CLRT, the Mayor of the Chatham Islands - Monique Croon, and NZCA Chair Edward Ellison in attendance.

The meeting introduced two new Board members, Toby Kemp and Richard Goomes, to replace Lois Croon and Alfie Johansen, who retired from the Board in June 2025. The main issues the Board covered were to seek a report from DOC on the effectiveness of the May 2024 island restructuring, pig control issues – for which DOC animal control expert Thomas Emmett provided a useful DOC perspective, and to farewell our Chatham Island Board Support Officer Holly Murphy who had been made redundant (she has been replaced by Claire Jacobs, who also manages three other Boards in New Zealand). 

Tuesday, 11 November 2025, at Chatham Island Council Buildings

The meeting was rather touch and go, as the Chair and one Board member (Rob Chappell) were delayed in Wellington due to thick fog on the islands, and they only just made the meeting in time for it to start. Again, that meeting was attended by NZCA Chair Edward Ellison beaming in from Ōtepoti | Dunedin.

The meeting was held in a more reliable venue for DOC staff in New Zealand to attend online. The Board discussed the need to better train DOC staff and islanders on effective management of whale strandings, notably euthanasia. The Board has offered its expertise (Rob Chappell, Denny Prendeville) in training and, together with Toby Kemp, has offered revisions to DOC’s Standard Operating Procedure to DOC whale stranding coordinator Mike Ogle. The Board heard about a range of changes DOC is implementing to bring more effective management to the two larger populated islands in the Chatham group. A new structure of Principle Rangers was introduced, and the Board met the team (online) and heard about their new roles. Dr Catherin Beard (DOC Technical Science Advisor) was also on island, assisting with advice on threatened plant management.

Peter de Lange, Rob Chappell and Richard Goomes enjoying the sea fog at Matarakau
| Photo by Peter de Lange

Field trip highlights

25 August Kaingaroa Point.

The Board meeting finished up with a visit to the nearby hakoko (Ardenna grisea) translocation site at Kaingaroa. 50 chicks, taken by permit from Maung’Re | Mangere Island Nature Reserve, had been placed in artificial burrows in the hopes of establishing another viable population on Rēkohu | Wharekauri | Chatham (one has been established at Point Gap in the south of the island already). It is hoped that translocations such as these will, in time, negate the need to harvest birds from the sensitive outer islands, as well as restore more of the ornithocoprophilous ecosystem back to Rēkohu | Wharekauri | Chatham.

Chatham Island Board members Greer Patterson, Rob Chappell, Denny Prendeville, CLRT co-Chair Hamish Tuanui-Chisholm and outgoing DOC Board Support Officer Holly Murphy at Kaingaroa Point translocation site for hakoko (Ardenna grisea) | Photos by Peter de Lange

Richard Goomes inspecting the Predator Proof Fence at Manukau Kawenata, Ouenga / Owenga,
Rēkohu / Wharekauri / Chatham | Photo by Peter de Lange

Other activities

Outside the meetings, Board members have been working on the islands' wild pig problem, reviewing the five-yearly plan for the islands, working with CLRT, Taiko Trust, Hokotehi and island nurseries, and assisting islanders and local DOC staff with their expertise.

The Chair has been gathering data for a planned Chatham Islands Restoration Plan coordinated by CLRT and, together with a team of New Zealand and International Lichenologists, described two new lichens endemic to the islands, Pyrenula quadratolocularis and P. solomonii. The latter species is named for Māui Solomon (6 September 1960 − ) a resident of Rēkohu who was instrumental in achieving legal recognition for Moriori, the revival of their language (Ta Re) and culture, the building of Kopinga Marae, and the Moriori Claims Settlement Act 2021.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Chatham Islands Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

WEST COAST TAI POUTINI

Board members and DOC staff at the Kapitia skink predator-proof enclosure | Photo by Alisa Alspach

Board Priorities

It has been a busy few months for the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board. A significant decision had to be made whether to continue with the Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) review or pause the process until the outcomes of the proposed amendments to the Conservation Act were known. The decision to pause the process was regrettable but, fortunately, all the work and data currently collected will be relevant when the process is restarted. The Board continues to provide advice on the current CMS and CMP.

It has been a year of submissions with the Board submitting on Herds of Special Interest (HOSI), Conservation Management Proposals to the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, and Predator Free 2050.

We had presentations from the Department of Conservation (DOC) staff to the Board on Thar control, the Bull kelp die-back, fur seal monitoring, and the proposed paid parking pilot at Punakaiki, Franz Josef, and Mt Cook. The discussions relating to HOSI prompted further discussions relating to the increasing deer problem and associated damage to the understory.

Many of these topics were further discussed at the annual Conservation Board Chairs' meeting in Wellington hosted by the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA). This is a very valuable meeting and allows all Conservation Board Chairs to discuss both local and national Conservation Board concerns as well as having expert input from DOC. The face-to-face engagement at this meeting facilitates further linkages and cooperation between the Conservation Boards.

We had three Board re-appointments this year and I was pleased to see that existing members wished to continue with the work of the Board. We also had a new NZCA liaison appointed - Dean van Mierlo, who replaced Metiria Turei. I would like to acknowledge the work Metiria undertook with the Board during her time as the NZCA representative.

During the last few months, the Board has been engaged in developing a new approach to the Work Plan. Although this is still ongoing, the new approach helps to align with DOC Work Plans and budgeting.

The Denniston Plateau | Photo by Mike Legge

Meeting and Field Trip highlights

The last two Board meetings were associated with field trips. A lizard protection programme near Hokitika allowed the Board to understand the logistics and successes of protection of unique lizard species. The final Board meeting of the year included a field trip to the Denniston Plateau and an appreciation of the uniqueness of the plateau area. We also visited areas that the Bathurst Fast-track proposal for new mining would include in the application.

I thank all the Board members for their work over the year, and DOC staff for their work in the region and willingness to share their knowledge with the Board. Our partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu is greatly appreciated. Finally, our Board functions well due to the work of our BSO, so thank you Alisa.

Mike Legge Chair of the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board. 

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

OTAGO

The view from the proposed Santana Minerals mine site at Bendigo-Ophir during Otago Conservation Board site visit 2 December 2025 | Photo by Eleanor Kettink

Welcome to Our New Board Members

We are pleased to welcome Emma Brockie, Ravneel Chand, and Michael Knapp to the Otago Conservation Board. We look forward to the experience, insight, and enthusiasm each of you brings to the table.

Farewell and Thank You

We also extend our thanks and best wishes to outgoing Board member Anna Gillooly for her contributions during her time on the Board.

Acknowledgements

A warm thank you to DOC staff for your ongoing support and guidance. Your work continues to enable the Board to operate effectively and make well-informed decisions.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Otago Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

SOUTHLAND

Milford Sound during fieldtrip, July 2025 | Photo by Shona Sangster

Te Rōpū Atawhai o Murihiku | July – November 2025

The past several months have been a period of transition and renewal for the Southland Conservation Board (SCB). Despite changes in membership, leadership, and departmental structures across the motu, the Board remains focused on conservation outcomes grounded in kaitiakitanga, science, community engagement, and Treaty partnership.

Acknowledging Departing Members

This year we farewell several long-serving and influential members.

Shona Sangster – Chair
After seven years of service, including three as Chair, Shona leaves a legacy of strong Treaty partnership practice, advocacy on key policy and planning issues, and strengthened relationships with DOC, mana whenua, and NZCA. Her calm leadership and commitment have been invaluable.

Stuart (Hori) Bull – Ngāi Tahu Representative
Stuart’s departure, after 16 years, marks the end of an era. His cultural leadership, deep knowledge of place, and unwavering advocacy for Ngāi Tahu values have grounded the Board’s work in Te Tiriti partnership.

The Board also acknowledges the contributions of Alison (Ali) Broad, Alex McCrossin, and Jen McGirr and extends sincere gratitude to all departing members.

Leadership and Membership Changes

At the September meeting in Invercargill, Keith McRobie was elected Chair.
A new Deputy Chair will be appointed in early 2026.

We warmly welcome new members: Glenda Darling, Rose Hanley-Nicolls, Michael Atwill, Dr Jane Kitson, and Jordon Traill, whose contributions are already evident across meetings, correspondence, and priority-setting.

Meeting Highlights (July, September, & November)

Recent meetings traversed key conservation issues across Fiordland, Rakiura, the Subantarctic Islands, and Murihiku.

Key Topics

• Fiordland Wapiti Foundation’s (with the Game Animal Council) Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) proposal and DOC’s draft management plan. The Board reiterates the significance of Fiordland as a World Heritage site and one of Aotearoa’s most important carbon sinks, noting the incompatibility of ungulate retention with the ecological integrity and restoration objectives of these globally significant landscapes. A submission was made in the initial phase, with a further submission planned for December.
• Predator Free Rakiura – progress continues, including a major targeted 1080 operation and improved monitoring.
• Subantarctic marine conservation and tourism – including Coastal Plan updates, visitor impact management, and research collaborations. A Board submission was lodged.
• Milford Opportunities Project – now entering its next phase, supported by a newly appointed project Board that includes two DOC senior leaders.
• DOC organisational restructure – with a focus on strengthened frontline delivery and modernised systems.
• Operational pressures at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, Gunns Camp redevelopment, and high-use backcountry sites such as Gertrude Saddle.

The Board has also advanced its action list and begun developing its 2025–26 Strategic Plan, in the absence of a Ministerial Letter of Expectation.

Board members from left to right, Stewart Bull, Alex McCrossin, Sharon Salmons, Shona Sangster, Alison Broad, Jen McGirr, and Roger Hodson stopping at Eglinton Valley during a fieldtrip to Milford Sound,
July 2025 | Photo by Shona Sangster

Looking Ahead

The Board will continue to focus on:

• Strengthening Treaty partnership and relationships with mana whenua.
• Active engagement in Fiordland and Subantarctic planning processes.
• Consistent, transparent responses to fast-track applications.
• Finalising the 2025–26 Strategic Plan.
• Supporting new members in liaison and committee roles, including Whenua Hou representation

The Board once again acknowledges all departing members for their leadership and service, and warmly welcomes our new appointees.

GET INVOLVED - attend a meeting, details of upcoming Southland Conservation Board meetings can be found on the website.

CONSULTATIONS OPEN FOR YOUR COMMENT

Conservation General Policy and General Policy for National Parks partial reviews: DOC is undertaking partial reviews of these general policies focusing on considerations associated with section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987.

Keep up to date with more public consultations here.

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Next time in the Conservation Board Newsletter, we hear from Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, East Coast Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Nelson Marlborough, Canterbry Aoraki, and Southland Conservation Boards!