Lou Sanson, of Wanaka, the former director-general of conservation, has been awarded a QSO for services to conservation. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
LEWIS "LOU" SANSON
Wanaka
For services to conservation and public service
Nature has been at the heart of Lou Sanson’s life.
Mr Sanson (64) was the director-general of conservation for eight years before retiring to Wanaka in December 2021.
His 47-year public service career included six years as Southland conservator and 11 years as Antarctica New Zealand chief executive.
He grew up in Hokitika.
Mr Sanson told the Otago Daily Times in September that he decided his life’s work when he was 13, while tramping on the West Coast.
"I saw some Forest Service survey people at Harman Hut ... I thought, ‘Wow, that’s what I’d like to be when I grow up’."
By 17, he was working for the New Zealand Forest Service. A University of Canterbury degree in forestry followed. By 30 he was the Southland District Conservator.
"I think nature sits at the very heart of who we are as New Zealanders.
"Every day I go to work excited and feel just so privileged to have worked for New Zealanders on the most incredible assets in the world," Mr Sanson said.
His projects included Rakiura National Park, Hump Ridge Track, Campbell Island rat eradication, New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic World Heritage Area and the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area.
During his time as director-general he oversaw the doubling of resources for Doc and had a particular focus on safety in recognition of the Cave Creek accident.
He was Crown negotiator for the Ngai Tahu Deed Settlement Act on the Titi lslands/Whenua Hou Settlements, and launched the Predator Free New Zealand Strategy.
He was awarded the New Zealand Antarctic Medal in 2015.
Mr Sanson and his wife Jan have two daughters, Georgia and Stephanie.
