Board

Richard Davies | Chair

Tourism Policy Manager | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

He joined MBIE in early 2018 after 5 years as Recreation Manager at the Department of Conservation. Before joining MBIE, Richard held various roles in the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Economic Development.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce and Administration; and a Masters of Public Management from Victoria University of Wellington.

Richard also served as President of the Federated Mountain Clubs from 2010-2012, and has served on numerous club committees for the Victoria University Tramping Club and Wellington Section of NZAC. He very occasionally gets out in boots, running shoes, bike shoes or skis to explore the outdoors. 

Murray Douglas | Board Member

Dairy Farmer, Wildlife Guide

I am an owner and director of a family Dairy farming business with operations in Northland and South West Bahia in Brazil. Our business in both environments has been about making best use of available resources and building a “brand” to create opportunities. We employ nearly 50 people between the two countries with a strong emphasis on growing people. My governance experience has been with a range of organisations, the largest being with Fonterra as a Shareholders Councillor for 12 years including serving on sub committees of the Board. I enjoy the outdoors and along with time in NZ have been self-guided wilderness expedition canoeing on multiple trips of about 3 weeks in length in Arctic Canada. This has led me to the opportunity of Wildlife guiding on Tundra Wolves, Caribou, Polar Bear and Musk Ox! MSC laid the groundwork of knowledge that has allowed me to achieve this.

Candice Johanson | Board Member

Communications Manager | Tourism New Zealand

Candice is the Communications Manager at Tourism New Zealand, responsible for the organisations internal and external communications function and team. She has over 18 years strategic communications and stakeholder engagement experience in the private and public sector both in New Zealand and overseas and was previously the Board Chair of the i-SITE Visitor Network and is a member of the Institute of Directors. Candice has a passion for working for and with purpose led organisations who make a real difference to peoples lives and communities.

Carl McOnie | Board Member

Chief Executive | New Zealand Land Search and Rescue

Carl has been the CE of New Zealand land Search and Rescue for three years. Carl holds multiple qualifications, including a Masters in Business Administration (Distinction), a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies (Distinction) and a Diploma in Adult Education & Training. Over his career, Carl has fulfilled a  number of strategic and operational positions within the Private Sector, Government (Defence)  and NGO’s (Not for profits and Charitable entities). As a Professional Independent Director, Carl has been responsible for the governance, policy and leadership of national and international organisations, all the time working to create value for stakeholders/shareholders and the broader communities of New Zealand.

Karen Leacock, NZ Alpine Club

Andy Roberts, Department of Conservation