Seek nomination support from the Society for appointment to Conservation Boards - closing date 22 January 2021

Conservation boards are independent bodies that empower local communities and iwi 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 plains in their rohe regions. The Boards 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 and may have knowledge of nature conservation, natural earth and marine sciences, cultural heritage, recreation, tourism, the local community and Māori perspectives.

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 conservation management strategy or a conservation management plan.

The total time commitment is in the order of 10-12 days per annum.  Chairpersons, elected by each conservation board, can expect a higher time commitment.  The term of appointment is usually for three years.

Fees and allowances

A daily meeting fee of $250 is paid. Direct expenses incurred to attend meetings or to represent the conservation board, such as travel costs, are met directly by DOC or reimbursed on an actual and reasonable basis.

Next steps

If you would like the Society to nominate you, please email your expression of interest stating why you are interested and what expertise/skill you will bring to the board to ce@royalsociety.org.nz by 22 January 2021.

This will allow for the full nomination to be completed by the closing date of Friday 29 January 2021.