Susan O’Regan appointed QEII National Trust Chair

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the appointment of Susan O’Regan as Chair of the QEII National Trust Board. The independent charitable trust collaborates with private landowners to safeguard open spaces of special significance through covenants. It supports landowners in protecting conservation values and encourages private entities to preserve nature for Aotearoa New Zealand’s people and biodiversity.

Mr Potaka expressed confidence in O’Regan’s leadership, stating she would strengthen the Trust’s connections with the rural sector and Iwi. O’Regan is a Waikato dairy farmer with deep rural community ties and serves as a Crown appointment on the Waikato River Authority.

O’Regan brings extensive experience from her former role as Mayor of Waipa District, including expertise in local government, leadership, and stakeholder relationship management. Her appointment follows the passing of the previous Chair, Alan Livingstone, in April of this year.

The QEII National Trust plays a critical role in conservation by working with private landowners to establish and monitor protective covenants on significant open spaces. The Trust’s efforts contribute to preserving biodiversity and supporting landowners in their conservation commitments.