Media release
20 September 2011

Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board appointments 2011 announcement

Appointments to the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board for 2011 were announced today by Department of Conservation Canterbury Conservator, Mike Cuddihy.

“It’s great to see the reappointment of committed members; Malcolm Clarbrough of Christchurch and Jan Finlayson of Geraldine,” said Mike.

“They bring to the Board a wealth of vital conservation, education, tourism and farming expertise, as well as an enthusiasm for the outdoors.”

Malcolm Clarbrough has considerable knowledge and experience of conservation issues from 26 years working with the Lands and Survey and Conservation departments. Malcolm has been a senior ranger in Nelson Lakes National Park and a Field Centre Supervisor at St Arnaud and gained further conservation experience in the tourism field through seven years of foreign affairs secondments to Indonesia. He also spent time in Nepal and Mongolia leading national park projects in those countries.

Jan Finlayson is a partner in a family farm. She has taught English at adult, secondary and primary levels in schools and privately for around 20 years. She is involved in a variety of groups that are connected by the theme of conservation, including the Orari River Protection Group’s blue duck/whio restoration project, the New Zealand Alpine Club, World Wildlife Fund, and the local farming community. Her recreation interests are tramping, climbing and skiing.

Mike was also pleased to announce the appointment of Christchurch locals; Te Awhina Rangimarie Arahanga and David Matheson.

“It’s good to see the two important themes of farming and education well-represented by the Board’s members,” said Mike.

“Te Awhina Rangimarie Arahanga will also provide an invaluable cultural and historic perspective.”

Te Awhina Rangimarie Arahanga is appointed as Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu representative. Te Awhina has a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Teaching and has previously held a number of teaching and advisory positions. Te Awhina specialises in oral histories, taonga conservation, archaeology and exhibitions research. Over the last 10 years, Te Awhina has worked on a number of projects for the Department of Conservation. Her recreation interests include Tai Chi, walking, swimming, cricket, hockey, rugby league, football and tennis.

David Matheson has run a private veterinary practice since 1975. He is involved in a clean stream accord and is assisting in the development of a wildlife veterinary hospital that will treat native species. He incorporates conservation principles in running his own farm. His recreation interests are fly-fishing, farming, tramping, tree-planting, running and cycling.

The Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board members are:

Wiki Baker
Mandy Waaka Home
Joseph Hullen
Dr John Keoghan
Jimmy Wallace
Malcolm Clarbrough
David Round
Jan Finlayson
Alan Grey
Neil Hamilton
David Matheson
Te Awhina Rangimaire Arahana

ENDS

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