Wellington Conservation Board members

Manaaki Barrett of Ōtaki 

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024

Manaaki (Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Toa) is the Operations Manager for Kāpiti Island Nature Tours, providing 10’ years’ experience in whanau-owned ecotourism business. He brings extensive knowledge of Kāpiti Island and the surrounding marine reserve to the Board.

Carla Bates of Wellington (Co-Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Carla has varied experience in the environmental field, including consultancy work with oil industry and environmental compliance roles on road and rail construction projects. She is skilled in collaboration and consensus building, whilst providing knowledge of sustainability and adaptability to the Board. Mrs Bates has a strong understanding of environmental strategy, including action plan coordination.

Sara Arhaim of Wellington

Appointment term: 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2026

Sara is a Strategic Operations Director with a background in law and accounting. She brings knowledge and experience particularly in the planning and CMS reporting space. She has skills in nature conservation, community engagement, governance, and planning. Ms Arhaim has a good understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and section 4 obligations and is well connected with the community.

Pamela (Pam) Crisp of Lower Hutt

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025

Pam is co-director of the Nature Through Arts Collective Trust – lives in Lower Hutt. She previously worked for DOC for 25 years in the community engagement space. Pam brings extensive knowledge and experience in nature conservation, community engagement and governance.

Toni Love of Ōtaki

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024

Toni is of Te Ātiawa descent and a senior solicitor at Whāia Legal.  She has been working in community-based conservation as well as mana whenua lead kaitiakitanga in Te Whanganui-a-Tara for over 10 years and is a current board member for Para Kore Marae Incorporated

Nicole McCrossin of Wellington 

Appointment Term: 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2025

Nicole is a principal advisor in the Māori Agribusiness Directorate at the Ministry for Primary Industries. Her studies and career have been centred on the relationship between the Treaty of Waitangi and environmental management, with a background in the negotiation and implementation of natural resources redress in Treaty settlements. Outside of work, she spends as much time as possible outdoors, particularly tramping in the Tararua.

Nicole is also a student of raranga, having recently completed two years study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Porirua, furthering her desire to learn about history, use, and, protection of New Zealand's plants. She is also a Crown representative on the Matiu/Somes Katiaki Board.

Anahera Nin of Wellington 

Appointment Term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Anahera is Policy and Engagement Advisor for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira – lives in Porirua and whakapapa’s to Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa, Tauranga Moana and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. She is Te Whanganui-ā-Tara Representative to Papa Pounamu – NZ Planning Institute. Anahera brings strong knowledge and experience in nature conservation, community engagement, governance, planning and kaitiakitanga and has been appointed for a term of 3 years.

Sonia Wansbrough of Martinborough 

Appointment Term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

Sonia is a self-employed public policy contractor living in Martinborough. She has lead work on environmental policies and programmes at the Department of Conservation, the Ministry for the Environment, and the Ministry for Primary Industries. She brings extensive knowledge and experience in developing strategy, policy and legislation, and has qualifications in terrestrial ecology, environmental law, and science communication.

Asher Wilson-Goldman of Paraparaumu (Interim Co-Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Asher has strong community engagement and governance skills at a local Government and national level and in the recreation sector. He offers knowledge of the machinery of government, and provides extensive experience in communications, planning and supporting outdoor recreation.