Published: 8 December, 2021
Conservation Board Nominations
Conservation Board Nominations
There are 43 public vacancies arising across 14 of the 15 conservation boards of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2022, each with a defined geographical area and up to 12 members.
The Minister of Conservation is seeking nominations from her ministerial colleagues; government nominating agencies; Māori; iwi, hapū and whanau; national and regional bodies; and, the public. All nominations for positions on the regional conservation board need to be received no later than Monday 31 January 2022.The Minister of Conservation is looking for suitably qualified people for
Further information and an online nomination form can be found at www.conservationboards.org.nz. The period for receiving nominations closes at 5pm on Monday 31 January 2022. If any iwi members are interested please let the office know.
Conservation Board functions
Conservation boards are independent bodies that empower local communities and tangata whenua to contribute to the management of conservation areas through their functions as set out in section 6M of the Act and in the National Parks and Reserves Acts.
The Board’s focus is on planning and strategic direction through their involvement in the review and monitoring of statutory plans in their rohe. The Board’s are serviced by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
A major responsibility for each conservation board is overseeing the conservation management strategy (CMS) for its region. A CMS is a 10-year statutory plan that sets out how DOC and Treaty partners manage natural and historic heritage. The boards work with DOC to prepare the CMS to ensure local communities are reflected in these plans. Once a CMS has been approved by the New Zealand Conservation Authority, conservation boards advise on their implementation.
Other conservation board work can include:
- developing and reviewing national park and other management plans for lands administered by the Department;
- advising on proposals for marine reserves;
- considering the impact of concessions for tourism and other activities on conservation land;
- looking at the range of recreational opportunities in the region;
- advising on proposals to change the protective status or classification of areas of national or international importance.
Skills and attribute requirements
Members are appointed as individuals for their experience, expertise, and links with the local community. Nominees may have knowledge of nature conservation, kaitiakitanga, natural earth and marine sciences, mātauranga Māori, cultural heritage, tikanga, te ao Māori, recreation, tourism, the interests of the local community, and features of conservation land in the area.
Nominees should have a well-developed interest in the work of DOC generally, and in the rohe of the Board they seek appointment to. They will need to be willing and able to keep abreast with policy and other developments impacting on DOC’s work and relevant to the Board’s functions.
They will also need the ability to take a strategic view, work with others, read and analyse draft material for clarity, participate in hearings, and weigh up differing perspectives, within a conservation framework.
Member time commitment
Each conservation board meets six times a year, usually for one day, with venues rotating around the Board’s rohe. One or two field trips of one day’s duration may also be undertaken to increase understanding of management considerations, particularly to sites where there are conflicting values or high visitor pressure. Additional duties may be required between meetings, especially associated with work on the CMS or a conservation management plan.
The total time commitment is approximately 15 days per annum. Chairpersons, elected by each conservation board, can expect a higher time commitment. The term of appointment is usually for three years.