15 October 2007 Media Statement

Appointments to New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust Board

A new Board has been appointed to the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust, including the reappointment of Mark Airey, Ian Horrax and Susan King, with Mark becoming the Board's new chairman, Conservation Minister Chris Carter announced today.

The Game Bird Habitat Trust is an independent public entity established under the Wildlife Act. Its functions include improving New Zealand’s game bird habitat and the habitat of other wildlife.

Also appointed are Adrian McIntrye and David Cocks, both nominated by the New Zealand Fish & Game Council, and William Able, nominated by Ducks Unlimited New Zealand Inc.

Each year the Board considers applications to fund projects for the protection, restoration or creation of habitat for game birds and other wildlife and disburses grants from revenue it receives from the New Zealand game bird habitat stamp programme.

Established in 1993, the game bird habitat stamp programme makes an important contribution to conservation in New Zealand. Two dollars is paid to the Trust from every hunting licence sold. Combined with the sale of stamps and other products to collectors, this has allowed the Board to distribute some 40 grants ranging in size from $2,000 to $50,000 to landowners throughout the country.

Mr Carter acknowledged the contribution made by the three retiring members of the Board, former chairman David Lawrie, Graham Gurr and Chris Lynch.

"Both David Lawrie and Graham Gurr were original members of the Board and have done a lot to establish its reputation and track record, and I would like to thank them and Chris Lynch for their contribution."

Further information and a grant application form is available on the website: http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/Site/Environment/environmentGBHtrust.aspx

ENDS

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