New appointee to ORC natural resources committee

Michael Skerrett has been appointed to the Otago Regional Council’s natural resources committee. He will bring perspectives to the committee of Te Ao Marama Inc – Ngai Tahu’s resource management agency covering the area south of the Clutha River.

Mr Skerrett is kaupapa taiao (environmental research) manager for Te Ao Marama based in Invercargill. He is kaiwhakahaere (chairman) of the Waihopai runanga in Southland and has been its representative on the Ngai Tahu tribal council since 1999.

Mr Skerrett’s appointment complements the earlier appointment of Dr Terry Broad, who brings Kai Tahu ki Otago Runanga and hapu perspectives to the committee.

The four Southland papatipu runanga (constituent areas of Ngai Tahu) established Te Ao Marama to facilitate input between applicants for RMA resource consents and Southland iwi.

“Mr Skerrett is a well-respected, high-calibre appointee to the committee,” ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said.

“His extensive background in resource management will be invaluable, especially at a time when management and understanding of water resources are being intensively studied,” Mr Woodhead said.

The natural resources committee is a standing committee of ORC. It promotes and monitors ORC’s scientific assessment of natural resources, environmental analyses, and land education programmes.