28 October 2003 Media Statement

Sir Brian Lochore to chair QEII National Trust

Former All Black coach and Wairarapa farmer Sir Brian Lochore is the new chairman of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust replacing Sir Paul Reeves, Conservation Minister Chris Carter announced today.

"Sir Brian's appointment will give the QE II Trust the profile it deserves so it can continue its fantastic conservation work with New Zealand's farming community, " Mr Carter said.

"Sir Brian is well-liked and respected as a leader, a farmer and as someone who cares passionately about New Zealand's rural heritage. I know he will be a considerable asset to QE II."

The QE II Trust helps land owners set aside private land for conservation through an independent voluntary mechanism of protection that allows landowners to retain ownership and ongoing management of their land.

In 25 years the trust has protected over 70,000 hectares of privately-owned land divided among close to 2,000 covenants.

"Over 70 per cent of New Zealand is privately owned, with over 16 million hectares in farmland so QE II's work is crucial to the survivial of our unique biodiversity," Mr Carter said.

"In recognition of this the Government gave the trust extra funding of $3.1 million from the 2000-2005 biodiversity package. The trust is to use this to protect more than 10,000 hectares of land in more than 300 covenants in the next year alone. Sir Brian will play a valuable role in achieving this."

Trust chief executive Margaret McKee said Sir Brian was a man of the land.

"He has great mana and will open doors to enable us to work more closely with landowners," she said.

Sir Brian was an All Black from 1963 to 1970. He was captain from 1966 to 1970, and All Black coach when they won the inaugural rugby World Cup.

ENDS

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