Otago Conservation Board members

Dean Fraser of Dunedin (Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2027

Dean is of Ngāi Tahu descent and was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. He has previously held a variety of roles with General Manager of Transformation at Ngāi Tahu Holdings, Ngāi Tahu Development Corporation and as the Chair of Ōtākou Papatipu Rūnaka. He is skilled in strategic direction, operational delivery, and risk management.

Rachel Cooper of Wānaka (Deputy Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2027

Rachel previously worked for the Ministry for the Environment as a Senior Climate Change Policy Advisor in the Carbon Neutral Government Programme, and for MPI in a similar role in the rural sector. Her appointment would add to the Board’s understanding of climate change issues. Ms Cooper has previously worked for WAI Wānaka, a community group developing a whole of catchment approach to freshwater values in Wānaka

Dr Barbara Anderson of Dunedin

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Dr Anderson is a research scientist with 20 years’ experience and expertise in climate change, biodiversity, conservation strategic planning, modelling biodiversity /carbon trade-offs, and science communication. Dr Anderson is also engaged in a number of outreach initiatives and is president of the Otago Institute for Arts and Sciences, working to re-balance the Institute’s emphasis with respect to Mātauranga Māori with other disciplines.

Carl Barlev of Dunedin

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2028

Carl is the founder and Director of Blue Cars Ltd and brings a wealth of commercial and business acumen with governance experience to the board. He has an understanding and passion for sustainability and environmental sciences.

Emma Brockie of Queenstown 

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2028

Emma brings geographical expertise to the Board. She is currently a Sustainability Advisor for the Queenstown Lakes District Council and has previously been a Ranger for DOC and a Trade Waste Officer for the Council. She has science degrees in marine biology and environmental studies.

Tumai Cassidy of Dunedin

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Tumai (Ngāi Tahu) is a cultural advisor and senior ranger for Te Rūnanga o Otakou and is a nominee from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu on the Board. He is an expert in Ngāi Tahu language, customs, traditions, culture, traditional ecological knowledge and mātauranga, as well as Ngāi Tahu traditional ecological knowledge, history, customs, and traditions pertaining to the Otago region.

Dr. Ravneel (Rav) Chand of Omaru

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2026

Dr Chand has a strong background in environmental management, nature conservation, and sustainable resource practices. He holds a PhD in Environmental Toxicology and has practical experience with his work as an Environmental Advisor at OceanaGold Macraes. Dr Chand is experienced in engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders, which has strengthened his ability to balance environmental stewardship with local interests, recreation, and tourism. With expertise in both science and cultural awareness. Additionally, Dr Chand has taught and collaborated in Pacific Island nations and New Zealand, he brings a global perspective on conservation challenges while staying deeply rooted in local contexts.

Mark Elliotte of Wanaka

Appointment term: 1 Novemeber 2024 to 30 June 2027

Mark has strong management and governance skills. Has been involved in hunting and fishing, and has been on many boards as chair, trustee, secretary and member. He is currently the Director of New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Incorporated.

Graeme Hall of Dunedin

Appointment term: 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027

Graeme brings significant experience in local and central government. He has a solid knowledge of Treaty settlement issues and relationships with mana whenua. He brings a great knowledge of lower South Island conservation estate from local government relationship with DOC over 30 years and using tracks, camp sites and National Park glacier and high pass exploring.

Neil Harraway of Dunedin

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2028

Neil has extensive experience in nature conservation advocacy through journalism, film production and documentary making with Natural History NZ, reaching a wide audience across New Zealand and the world. He also has a strong understanding of terrestrial and marine sciences, business management and operation within tourism sector. Mr Harraway has engagement experience with tāngata whenua in show-casing their relationship with nature during documentary productions including series on NZ National Parks, and during Wild Dunedin – NZ’s festival of nature.

Dr Michael Knapp of Port Chalmers

Appointment term: 6 August 2025 to 30 June 2026

Dr Knapp brings a background in marine and coastal science and monitoring, which will be of value to the board during the development of the Southeast Marine Protection Area. Dr Knapp is an Associate Professor and Conservation Geneticist at the University of Otago and has a PhD in Plan Biology.