August 2005 Media Statement

Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board appointments

Conservation Minister Chris Carter today announced the appointments for the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.

“I’m pleased to announce that Peter Foley, Fiona Musson and Murray Parsons are the new appointments, and Gottlieb Braun-Elwert has been re-appointed,” said Mr Carter.

“I am confident the new make up of the board represents a wide range of local community interests 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 a means for local communities to be a part of conservation decisions.”

Department of Conservation Canterbury Conservator, Mike Cuddihy welcomed the new appointees to the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.

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

The new and returning members will serve three year terms from 1 September 2005.

Mr Carter thanked the three retiring board members Anne Palmer, Roger Fagg and Charles Crofts for their efforts and commitment during their time on the board.

New members:

- Fiona Musson of Leeston has affiliations with Ngâi Tahu and is a member of Te Taumutu Rünanga. She has experience working with government agencies and is actively involved with the wider community. Fiona is a member of the Te Taumutu Rünanga Natural Resources Committee and has a keen interest in environmental and natural resource issues.
- Peter Foley of Waimate has a strong farming background with experience as Chair of the Waimate District Health Board and as a councillor for Waimate District Council. He demonstrates a strong interest in environmental, conservation and community issues.

- Murray Parsons of Christchurch has specialist skills as a marine botanist, ethnobotanist and herbarium keeper. He has been a member of the Canterbury Botanical Society for the last 34 years and has a Ph. D in Botany. Murray is an active member of the Royal Society of New Zealand Committee on Biodiversity.

Reappointed member:

- Gottlieb Braun-Elwert of Lake Tekapo established his own alpine guiding business in 1981 and has 26 years mountain guiding experience in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. He is an active member of Lake Tekapo Search and Rescue team and has a Masters degree in Physics from the University of Munich. Gottlieb has a keen interest in environmental and conservation issues.

Current members of the 12 member board:

- Alan Jolliffe of Christchurch
- Fred Murray of Leithfield Beach
- Mandy Waaka-Home of Oamaru
- Wiki Baker of Temuka
- Gottlieb Braun-Elwert of Tekapo
- Ines Stager of Geraldine
- Yvette Couch-Lewis of Rapaki
- Dr Jonathan Harding of Christchurch
- Ainslie Talbot of Christchurch
- Roger Fagg of Timaru
- Charles Crofts of Diamond Harbour
- Anne Palmer of Lake Heron Station

ENDS

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