Chatham Islands Conservation Board members

Professor Peter de Lange FLS of Auckland (Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2024

Peter is an Associate Professor in the School of Environmental & Animal Sciences, New Zealand Institute of Technology, and Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sardinia. Prior to taking up his lecturing position in 2017 Peter was the Threatened Plant Scientist and then a Principal Science Advisor for the Department of Conservation for 27 years. Peter has a long association with the Chatham Islands following his first visit there in 1996. Peter has worked mostly with the threatened plants of the islands, during which time he recognised and described seven new species from the islands (six endemic), usually in collaboration with Dr Peter Heenan of Landcare Research. Peter has also published a number of books and book chapters about the Chatham Islands flora and vegetation.

Francesca Bonventre of Waitangi

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Francesca brings tourism knowledge and experience to the Board. She is well connected and engaged with the community both professionally in her roles as Owner/Operator of Go Wild Apiary and at the Chatham Island hotel and personally.

Lois Croon of Chatham Islands

Appointment term: 23 November 2021 to 30 June 2024

Lois is of Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri descent and a successful and innovative tourist accommodation provider and resident on the Island for 36 years. She is the current Chairperson of the Chatham Heritage and Restoration Trust and continues to contribute to Chatham’s art and conservation projects.

Alfred (Alfie) Johanson of Chatham Islands

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024

Alfie is a landowner and resident on the Chatham Islands. He is passionate about conservation, birds, the bush, and the wellbeing of the environment. 

Levi Lanauze of Chatham Islands

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024

Levi is of Moriori, Ngāti Mutunga, and Ngāi Tahu descent and a Farm Manager for Hokotehi Moriori Trust, and Director at Caroline Fishing Company. He was born on Pitt Island and offers intricate knowledge of the environmental and conservation issues in the boards rohe.

Denis (Denny) Prendeville of Chatham Islands

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Denny is a sixth-generation Islander that provides strong terrestrial and marine knowledge and experience to the board. He is an ex-Department of Conservation employee who is well connected and engaged in the local community and is well respected by Iwi and Imi.

Susan Thorpe of Chatham Islands

Appointment term: 1 May 2014 to 30 June 2023

Susan has 35 years’ experience as an archaeologist working primarily on recording heritage landscapes through the use of Indigenous methodologies.  She has experience developing community plans and working towards enhancing community aspirations for heritage management. Susan also has ecology experience, working on projects such as freshwater management, forest ecology and landscape restoration, managing large-scale rehabilitation projects. Susan has previously served a six year term on the Board.