Bruce Wills to lead local biodiversity stewardship group
Former Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay and national president Bruce Wills has been appointed chairman of a new Strategy Stewardship Group by Biodiversity Hawke's Bay.
The local conservationist and QEII National Trust Chair was made an Officer of the Order of New Zealand in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to agriculture and the environment.
At the Strategy Stewardship Group's (SSG) first meeting, the group elected Mr Wills as their co-chair, with his counterpart yet to be appointed.
Mr Wills says he is honoured to include the Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay co-chair appointment to his growing portfolio of leadership roles.
“I am passionate about the natural environment and about doing my bit to ensure we protect and grow biodiversity in Hawke’s Bay and across all of New Zealand. I enjoy getting hands-on, particularly
planting and developing the new wetland on our 58ha block at Roy’s Hill.”
Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay general manager, Debbie Monahan says the SSG is the outcome of a "refined and focussed" Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay which is a strong local membership organisation that is committed to working together to ensure Hawke’s Bay biodiversity is enhanced, healthy and functioning.
She said the SSG includes an experienced mix of biodiversity stalwarts with a wealth of knowledge, community connection and passion.
"The membership organisation has been led by amazing volunteers over the last few years and we are very lucky to have Bruce Wills on board to lead us into this next exciting chapter.”
Charles Daugherty remains the chair of the Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Trust Board which continues to focus on growing a sizable endowment fund to support biodiversity-related activities in Hawke’s Bay.
“This is a key time for Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay,” Ms Monahan says.
“We have a strong clear direction, a dedicated leadership team, and committed staff. In January, funding from the Department of Conservation enabled us to contract Dr Belinda Sleight, who, in her role as Biodiversity Community Facilitator is available to assist groups throughout the region with biodiversity projects.”
“If you are working on a biodiversity/conservation project in Hawke’s Bay and would like assistance, whether it be planting guides, trapping knowledge, funding options, communications support or
guidance on running a community group etc, drop Belinda a line on community@biodiversityhb.nz.”
“Having Belinda in this new community facilitator role is key to our ability to work together, support community groups and be the biodiversity network of networks in the Hawke’s Bay region.”
For more information visit www.biodiversityhb.org
