Taranaki/Whanganui Conservation Board members

Drew Castle of Inglewood (Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2025

Drew (Ngāi Tahu) is a self-employed IT professional with 20 years’ experience in the IT industry. He has more recently been involved in other governance activities in the wider Taranaki community. He is strongly involved in local conservation e􀆯orts and brings an IT solutions focus to how this can support and enhance conservation initiatives. Drew has always had a keen interest in outdoor activities, and is an advocate of habitat protection, repopulation efforts of native birdlife, and the recognition of the uniqueness of local ecologies.

Christopher (Chris) Smith of Whanganui(Deputy Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027

Chris (Ngāti Apakura) is educated in Environmental Science and Geography, and has experience in search and rescue. He also has an interest in a combination of indigenous knowledge systems and science, to address conservation issues.

Dr Bruce Clarkson of Hamilton

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Bruce is a scientist, researcher, educator, and ecologist who has 50+ years’ experience working to recognise and restore native plant communities. He is internationally renowned in his field of botany and is currently a Professor at the University of Waikato, and the Programme Leader for Peoples, Cities and Nature. He offers valuable expertise and knowledge of the biodiversity and ecology of the Board’s area. Bruce is also a Councillor and Deputy Chair of the Waikato Regional Council and sits on the national Board of Forest and Bird, New Zealand.

Claire Dowsett of Whanganui

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2026

Claire (Ngaati Ruanui, Ngāti Raukawa ki Waikato, Pākehā) lives with her whānau in Whanganui and grew up in the Wairapapa. She currently works as a Research Fellow with the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Claire specialises in community research investigating relationships between people and nature, she is awaiting examination of her PhD where she investigated community values for introduced species.
Claire has previously worked for the Department as a Biodiversity Ranger and a Biodiversity Planner. She brings to the Board an understanding of diverse community perspectives, experience in hands-on conservation practice, and the inner operational workings of the Department.

Murray Fisher of New Plymouth

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2026

Murray has extensive experience in the Emergency Response, coast guard and surf lifeguard space. Murray is also an active member/trapper for the Kiwi Trust Small block farmer with QE2 land.

Paora Haitana of Whanganui

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Paora has served the environment for more than 30 years. He has a deep understanding and connection with the lands especially in the Whanganui and Tongariro National Park.
In the early 1990’s Paora played a lead role in establishing one of the first pest control teams that were grounded by Kaupapa Māori practices to address the challenges experienced by the lands and tributaries that fed into the Whanganui River.

Liana Poutu of New Plymouth

Appointment term: 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2025

Liana (Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Whanganui and Maniapoto) is the statutory nominee of the Taranaki Māori Trust Board. She has a legal background with a strong focus on Māori land, Treaty of Waitangi, governance and public law. Liana has extensive governance experience (including prior conservation board experience) with strong iwi, hapū and marae networks across Taranaki and Whanganui. She also serves as a negotiator for Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo - the Taranaki Maunga collective redress deed.

Erica Riddle of Fielding

Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027

Erica brings extensive military background with education from the Institute of Directors to the Board. Erica is also completing a Masters in Sustainability and sits on the governance committee for Creative Sounds Society Inc in Palmerston North as their Health and Safety portfolio owner.

Jill Sheehy of Whanganui

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Ko Ngaapaerangi te Iwi o Paerangi o te Maungaroa, o te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa.

Ko Te Aatihaunui a Paapaarangi te Iwi o Hinengākau, Tamaūpoko, Tūpoho.

Jill has strong community engagement, governance, planning and nature conservation skills. This, coupled with her cultural a􀆯iliations, makes her an asset to the Board. Her expertise in RMA/planning matters will be very useful to the Board’s ongoing and future review work.