Hon Chris Carter
Minister of Conservation

16 October 2006 Media Statement

Chatham Islands Conservation Board appointments

Conservation Minister Chris Carter today announced this year’s appointments to the Chatham Islands Conservation Board.

“I’m pleased to announce that Eileen Cameron, Lois Croon, Celine Gregory-Hunt and Shirley King are new appointments, and Deborah Goomes and Joe Tapara have been reappointed”, Mr Carter said.

“I am confident the new make up of the board represents a wide range of the Chatham Island local communities and will give sound advice to the Department of Conservation on its policy and directions.”

“Conservation boards play a vital role in providing independent advice on local conservation issues and are a means for local communities to be a part of conservation decisions.”

Department of Conservation Wellington Acting-Conservator, Jeff Flavell, welcomed the new appointees to the Chatham Islands Conservation Board.

“I look forward to working with the incoming members who will add a wealth of experience and skills to the board,” he said.

New members, Eileen Cameron, Celine Gregory-Hunt and Shirley King will serve three year terms from 16 October 2006 and Lois Croon has been appointed for one year ending 31 August 2007, this increases the Chatham Board from nine to ten members.

Mr Carter thanked the two retiring board members, Teresa McDonald and James Moffett, for their efforts and commitment as well as bringing their considerable local experience to the board table.

New members:

* Eileen Cameron is a sixth generation Chatham Islander and her family has a long history in conservation of the Island. Eileen has a sound understanding of the conservation values on the Chatham Islands, particularly flora endemic to the land.

* Lois Croon, of the Chatham Islands, is a self employed farmer and an active member of the Chatham Island visitor industry group. Lois has extensive knowledge of reserves and native plants on the Chathams and is passionate about the regeneration of the Chatham Island habitat. Lois also has a good understanding of cultural issues on the Island.

* Celine Gregory-Hunt has a long family history on Pitt Island and is a member of the Pitt Island Reserve and Conservation Purposes Trust. She has a strong interest and commitment to conservation on Pitt Island. Her appointment provides a second member to represent Pitt Island.

* Shirley King, of the Chatham Islands is a local resident and member of the Hokotehi Moriori Trust. Shirley brings important links with Moriori as well as a sound knowledge of cultural and community issues on the Chathams.

Reappointed members:

* Deborah Goomes, a local resident of the Chatham Islands, has a keen interest in the natural and cultural heritage of the Chatham Islands and brings extensive skills in resource management and planning with a good understanding of the economic and social issues of the Chathams.

* Joe Tapara is a self employed farmer and manager for Ha O Te Ora O Wharekauri Trust. Joe has a strong interest in community issues and his reappointment ensures continued and valuable cultural awareness.

The other members of the ten member board are: Antoinette Day of Chatham Island, Peter Johnson of Dunedin, Judith Lanauze of Pitt Island and Joanne Tuanui of Chatham Island.

ENDS

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