Bay of Plenty Conservation Board members

Michal Akurangi of Whakatāne

Appointment term: 1 July 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.

Catherine (Cashy) Ball of Whakatane

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Catherine (Cashy) is a strategic advisor and director with over 20 years of experience in local government, specialising in climate change, community development, and stakeholder engagement. She has led major initiatives including climate strategies and iwi partnerships in the Bay of Plenty and has a background in marine tourism and conservation. Passionate about kaitiakitanga and community empowerment, Catherine combines governance expertise with hands-on environmental advocacy.

Amy Board of Whakamārama

Appointment term; 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Amy is a dedicated environmental advocate and community coordinator with a strong background in grassroots conservation and ecological resilience. She currently coordinates the WBOP Kai Resilience Network and leads initiatives such as Permablitz BOP and local weed eradication efforts. With hands-on experience in pest control, native planting, and track maintenance, Amy brings practical knowledge and a deep commitment to biodiversity and water quality in the Bay of Plenty.

Her collaborative work with iwi and community groups—including Pirirakau, Poutiri Trust, and Ngāpēke Permaculture—reflects her passion for integrating mātauranga Māori into conservation efforts. Amy’s leadership, communication skills, and emotional intelligence support her vision for stronger partnerships between DOC, iwi, councils, and communities to protect and enhance the region’s natural environment.

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.

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.

Dr Chantal Pagel of Lake Rotomā

Appointment term; 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Dr Pagel is an experienced biologist and conservation leader with over 15 years working across marine and terrestrial environments. She currently serves as Regional Conservation Manager for Forest & Bird, where she leads national biodiversity initiatives and engages with tangata whenua to support indigenous conservation efforts. Her background includes work as a CITES officer with the Department of Conservation, and academic research focused on adventure tourism and human-wildlife interactions.

Holding a PhD in Tourism & Hospitality and multiple science degrees from universities in Germany and New Zealand, Chantal combines deep scientific expertise with a strong commitment to Te Ao Māori and environmental policy. Based in Rotomā, she brings a regional perspective and a passion for freshwater health, biosecurity, and climate resilience to the Board.

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.