Otago Peninsula sheep farmer Edward Ellison was yesterday announced as the chairman of the New Zealand Conservation Authority by Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage.
He was ''honoured'' to be chosen, he said.
''I think we've got a pretty special environment, but we've got biodiversity issues and challenges and threats to our values.''
Mr Ellison has an extensive history in environmental protection, including previously serving as a member of the authority council and on the Otago Conservation Board, Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Board, the South-East Marine Protection Forum and the Otago University Council.
He has advisory roles within various other groups.
Living rurally meant the natural environment was always in his mind.
However, his conservation passion was awakened in the 1970s, during the fight against a proposed aluminium smelter at Aramoana.
''That gave me a bit of a shock. That something like that could be developed in our beautiful harbour.''
Mr Ellison is an active member of Otakou Marae and Dunedin Maori affairs in general.
He viewed environmental issues through a tangata whenua lens, he said.
The authority provides strategic policy advice to the department and minister.
It has functions around approving conservation management strategies and national park management plans.
Mr Ellison was picked after a public nomination process, ahead of 30 other candidates.
In a statement Ms Sage said she looked forward to the experience and expertise he would bring to the role.
''Edward Ellison has broad work experience, covering environmental, land and animal husbandry.''
