Trustee Changes 2018

Welcomes and Farewells

Over the last few months a sub-committee of the Guardians, with the Board Chair, has reviewed applications for upcoming trustee roles, and made recommendations to Wellington City Council. The Council has now approved the appointment of two new trustees: Jo Breese, from 1 July 2018, and Dr Libby Harrison from 1 January 2019. ZEALANDIA warmly welcomes Jo and Libby to their new roles. Jo and Libby bring significant experience in conservation management and science.

Jo replaces long standing trustee Steve Thompson, and Libby takes up her appointment when Denise Church completes her six year term in December 2018.

Jo’s career has focussed on conservation of natural and cultural heritage working both in New Zealand and Asia Pacific. She has worked in the public, private and not for profit sectors. Jo has been involved in many projects in New Zealand and also in UNDP programmes in Vietnam and Malaysia. She served two 3-year terms as a member of the NZ Conservation Authority and represented them on the National Committee for IUCN (International Union for Conservation and Nature). Prior to this Jo was on the board of Antarctica New Zealand (New Zealand’s Antarctic Research Institute) and has held various governance and leadership roles. She was Chief Executive of WWF-NZ between 1999 and 2006 and, before that, was for 6 years the Chief Executive of Booksellers NZ. In addition Jo has a good understanding of mātauranga Māori and is a Crown appointee to the inaugural Te Urewera Board. Jo has significant management experience including leading membership organisations.

Steve Thompson stands down from the Board in July after joining the Board in 2012.  Steve was ZEALANDIA’s Marketing Manager from 1997-2001 and is a passionate supporter of ZEALANDIA. Steve will continue to be involved with ZEALANDIA, exploring the potential for a new alumni group, and chairing ZEALANDIA’s 25th anniversary initiative. Thanks Steve for all you have contributed.