Dr Achyut Aryal of Auckland
Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025
Dr Aryal offers excellent diversity of perspective from his expeircnes working and studiying aboard, having worked and researched extensively on Nepalese methods of conservation. He is the CEO of CC Training Academy, an Associate with Massey University, and holds other senior roles with the University of Sydney. Dr Aryal also has varied and significant experience, particularly in academia in relation to species and biology conservation.
Rahul Chopra of Auckland
Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025
Rahul is a Sustainability and Climate Action Consultant and provides expertise in issues relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation and sustainable environmental management. He is experienced in public policy, communications, and stakeholder relations, and in developing transformative outcome-based strategic guidance, as well as specialist scientific and technical advice. Rahul is currently a Board Member of Pest Free Kaipatiki Restoration Society, and Principal Consultant, Forum Director, and Editor of New Zealand Sustainability & Policy Leaders Forum.
Nerissa Henry of Auckland
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026
Nerissa (Ngāpuhi, NgāiTakoto, Ngāti Awa) brings experience and knowledge of community conservation, community engagement, cultural competency, governance and planning to the Board. Ms Henry sits on a number of public bodies including the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority and the Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum, with wide connections to the Auckland community and volunteer sectors. Ms Henry has knowledge of kaitakitanga and the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Repeka George-Koteka of West Auckland
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Repeka brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and cultural competency. She has a Masters of Applied Indigenous Knowledge and is currently director of her company ‘Ei Moana supporting communities and systems change.
Alan Goldman of Auckland
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2027
Alan brings a lifetime of international finance experience together with a sound knowledge of board governance and compliance. His passion for conservation started back in 1974. He has served as a board member of the South African Wildlife Society and prestigious Mauerberger Foundation. In New Zealand he is the Treasurer of the Auckland Flyfishing Angling Club. Alan has won a number of awards, is an internationally published author and continues to work in education and the wider Auckland community.
Mervyn Kerehoma of Orakei
Appointment term: 7 July 2020 to 30 June 2026
Mervyn (Ngāti Karaua and Ngāti Whanaunga) is nominated by Ngāti Whatua rōpū nominee. He serves Ngati Whatua Orakei on the whenua as a poutaki lead. As an active kaitiaki his cultural leadership guides the communities he works within by leading karakia, mihimihi and kapahaka. Mr Kerehoma has led big projects within Tāmaki Makaurau such as Wynyard Quarter Rain Gardens, Ecological Restoration Pourewa.
Dr Shane Lavery of Auckland
Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2027
Shane is a Associate Professor at the University of Auckland and offers over 40 years’ experience in marine and terrestrial biological conservation research. He has extensive knowledge of biodiversity and has served on several advisory boards.
Tori Ngataki of Te Kauwhata
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026
Tori (Ngāti Tamaoho, Te Waiohua, Waikato, Maniapoto) is the Waiohua Tamaki rōpū entity nominee. She is the current Chair of the Ngāti Tamaoho Trust and of the Settlement Trust. She completed her MBA in 2018 to support her aspirations to support her people regarding the revitalisation of their whakapapa, their taiao, and wellbeing. Currently they are working on revitalising indigenous fauna and flora around the Manukau Harbour and seeking to restore their cultural practices around these to enhance their whakapapa as Ngāti Tamaoho.
Gael Ogilvie of Auckland
Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2025
Gael is the Director of Nature's Grace Aotearoa. She has extensive governance experience, serving on a number of Boards and Steering Groups concerned with environmental sustainability. She is currently a Board member of the NZ Ecolabelling Trust.
Chris Severne of Auckland
Appointment term: 1 November 2024 to 30 June 2025
Chris brings to the Board his extensive commercial acumen, as well as a long history of involvement in environmental organisations including Bluegreens, Foundation North and the Nature Heritage Fund. He also Chairs the Opito Bay Ratepayers Association on the Coromandel where he has initiated several environmental restoration projects including a rahui on scallop harvesting working with local Iwi Ngati Hei.
Fred Wilson of Waiuku
Appointment term: 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2026
Fred (Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Maru, Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) is the Marutuahu rōpū entity nominee for the Board. He has been involved in conservation on the Awhitu Peninsula, with the Shoreline Kids programme, riparian planting, coastal planting for sand dune stabilisation and native planting programmes. He has a strong understanding of te ao Māori including the iwi landscape of the Auckland region.