Bay of Plenty Conservation Board members

Michal Akurangi of Whakatāne

Appointment term: 1 Jly 2024 to 30 June 2027

Michal has a professional background in environmental management and her career has spanned both public and private sector Including local council, regional Council, central government and Post settlement governance entity. Michal is a strong advocate for Māori rights and interests and environmental decision making that recognises the mana of hapu and the interconnected nature of the Taiao.

Ora Barlow (Co-Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027

Ora (Te Whānau-a-Apanui) holds extensive experience in conservation particularly advising on large scale pest control.  She currently sits as Hapū Chair for Te Whānau-a-Hikarukutai/Ngati Horomoana Hapū; Governor for Raukūmara Pae Maunga; co-Chair for Mangaroa Incorporation; Trustee on Waikawa Lands Trust and sits on other multiple committees and land block trusts.  She works for Save the Kiwi travelling nationally advising iwi Māori in designing their restoration potential.

Sara Carley of Tauranga

Appointment term: 7 July 2020 to 30 June 2026

Sara is semi-retired, with a background in the public service as an International Development Manager with experience in the Pacific Islands and Asia. She has strong policy, planning, and analysis skills, with strength in programme planning, financial management, and cultural awareness.

Laura Crossan of Te Puke

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Laura works in the financial management sector providing assistance for rural land users including dairy, drystock, and horticulture. She provides a perspective from rural and youth communities.

Pim De Monchy of Tauranga

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025

Pim has a strong background in nature conservation, specifically in the management of coastal catchments. He is involved with a range of conservation groups across the Bay of Plenty, including the Kiwi Recovery Group, Ohiwa Harbour Implementation Forum, and Rangitaiki Wetlands Project. 

Erin Green of Whakatāne (Co-Chairperson)

Appointmnet term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Erin provides experience in environmental science and policy, with particular expertise in marine science, conservation, and management. As Co-Founder of Te Puna Taiao Charitable Trust, she has excellent community engagement and advocacy skills, and an understanding of issues facing our children, communities, and planet as a whole.

Lyndal Kennedy of Kawerau

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Lyndal brings strong competency in Te Ao Māori and conservation experience with a Mātauranga Māori lens, which is considered a current skills gap on the Board. Her appointment would help the Board to better understand the landscape of the region and build partnerships with iwi, whānau and hapū.  Ms Kennedy also lives in an area of the Whakatane District which does not have Board representation.

Matthew (Matt) Newman of Tauranga

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Matt has strong lived experience of Te Ao Māori through previous employment where he spent two years living and working in Te Whaiti and amongst Tūhoe. Mr Newman has developed a specialised education curriculum engaging young people with significant conservation issues within Te Urewera and East Coast ngāhere.

Te Maiora Rurehe of Rotorua

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Te Maiora (Tūhoe, Te Arawa) is a solicitor working in Waitangi Tribunal claims, which may be useful in helping the Board work with iwi, and keep the Board updated on legal development.  

Tim Taylor of Rotorua

Appointment term: 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027

Tim is the owner of Ruahine Composites which is New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of composite kayaks and waka ama. While his professional background is on the water, he balances this with a strong passion for hunting and the bush. He is currently the Vice President for the BOP Deerstalkers Association and sits on the Board for the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association as a North Island representative.