Southland Conservation Board members

Shona Sangster of Stewart Island (Chairperson)

Appointment term: 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2025

Shona is a Stewart Island/Rakiura resident who is passionate about conservation. She grew up in the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland which gave her a passion for the positive impact of predator control on native bush. She is the Chair of the Stewart Island/Rakiura Community and Environment Trust, which protects 210 hectares of land on the Acker’s Point peninsula. She co-edits the monthly Stewart Island News and works part-time for Glowing Sky Merino and the Southland District Council. Shona is also a member of the Rakiura Marine Guardians and has volunteered for the Kākāpō Recovery Programme. She holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from The University of Auckland and a Trinity College London Certificate in TESOL. Her interests include tramping, fishing, beekeeping and making art.

Joanne (Jo) Bagrie of Mataura

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Jo is an environmental scientist, with a BSc in Ecology and Zoology and has operated a tourism business on public conservation land.  She brings knowledge and exposure to the Treaty / Te Tiriti via studies and work experience and would fills several of the skill gaps on the Board. Ms Bagrie is from Eastern Southland where there is currently no Board representation.  

Mark Bryan of Winton

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024

Mark is a rural veterinarian, farmer, and business owner. He is a Senior Lecturer of Dairy Cattle Medicine at Massey University, Director of Aquila Sustainable Farming Group, and has experience in a number of other executive and governance roles.

Stewart Bull of Riverton

Appointment term: 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2025

Stewart (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, and Waiaha) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. He is the Chair of Ōraka-Aparima Rūnanga, a member of the Whenua Hou committee, Fiordland Marine Guardians, Chair of Te Ao Marama, iwi resource management committee, Chair of the Rakiura tītī committee, and a member of the Rakiura tītī administering body. Tangata tiaki/kaitiaki, customary fisheries management, Stewart has always had an interest and participated in environment and resource management throughout his adult life and has always felt the concept of Kaitiakitanga/stewardship is a responsibility he feels he has an absolute obligation to. Stewart believes many hands make light of the work and if we all participate in a positive manner, then he is sure the world will be a more comfortable living space for us and the future generations to come; he says, "we must not fail while on our watch as there will be consequences!".

Claire Jordan of Tuatapere

Appointment term: 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2024

Claire is an environmental planner and scientist who has worked in policy and science roles in central and local government and as a consultant. Claire is the third generation of her family to live on their dairy farm, 30 km north-west of Tuatapere on the western bank of the Waiau River. Claire is an active member of the Waiau Rivercare Group, which advocates on behalf of the Waiau River and the surrounding community. Claire holds an First Class Honours Degree from the University of Canterbury in Chemistry and Environmental Science. Claire currently divides her time between her young family and studying towards a Master of Resource and Environmental Planning Degree through Massey University. 

Claire loves tramping, particularly with the lure of a view, and spends as much time as she can in Te Anau with her family, enjoying time on the lake and in the national park. The experience of seeing the world through the eyes of her young children motivated Claire to become a member of the Southland Conservation Board, so that they might have the same opportunities she has had to wonder at our precious, unique and spectacular country and its taonga as they grow.

Alexandra (Alex) McCrossin of Queenstown

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Alex holds extensive knowledge of National Parks and DOC reserves after 12 years of film permitting and photography in the South Island. Ms McCrossin also brings 20 years of experience in managing film crews to capture New Zealand’s outstanding landscapes, whilst working closely with the Department of Conservation to preserve and support nature conservation efforts.

Jennifer (Jen) McGirr of Queenstown.

Appointment term: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025

Jen has experience working in environmental management and planning roles for local government and the private sector for the past 20 years. She holds RMA Commissioner accreditation and has broad experience across three waters, air quality and landfill monitoring and compliance, and land use management. Jen is also passionate about conservation and looks forward to contributing her skill set to the Board.
Jen currently resides in Queenstown with her husband and two school age sons and enjoys spending her downtime hiking in the conservation estate as much as possible.

Keith McRobie of Gore

Appointment term: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026

Keith has a planning background and particular experience in large-scale riparian planting. He has worked for a number of councils in the southern South Island in parks and recreation management. 

Estelle Pera-Leask of Bluff

Appointment term: 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2024

Estelle (Ngāi Tahu, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Ruanui) was nominated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Estelle is a member of the Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust (BHMET) and the current chair. She is a Director on the Board of Predator Free 2050, and Awarua Runanga representative on the Whenua Hou Komiti. She is the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu representative on the Takahē Recovery Programme and supports the Department of Conservation Kākāpō Recovery Programme and Predator Free Rakiura Project.

Together with her husband Peter, they help coordinate the BHMET volunteers undertaking predator control and habitat restoration. Born and raised in Bluff, she believes kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the natural environment is a privilege and a responsibility. Her interests include growing native plants, mahinga kai, bushwalking, rongoa and Matauranga Maori.

Jerrie Valli of Winton

Appointment term: 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024

Jerrie has eight years’ experience in a senior leadership role for Sport Southland, providing skills in strategic direction and operational delivery, as well as an understanding of local government processes and experience working alongside resource management policy staff. She was previously a journalist, and has extensive experience in communications, marketing, and advocacy.