Minister of Conservation, Hon Tama Potaka, has appointed Susan O’Regan as Chair of Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a term of three years. This follows the sad passing of the previous Chair, Alan Livingston in April this year.

QEII works in partnership with landowners to protect and enhance special areas of biodiversity and cultural heritage on private land through covenants. The Trust has built strong connections with the farming, rural, and conservation sectors, and has a very good operating record with the Department of Conservation and tangata whenua.

A Waikato dairy farmer with experience working alongside iwi, and governance experience that includes a term as Mayor of Waipa District Council, Susan is in a strong position to lead the Board and engage with stakeholders. She is currently also a Crown appointee on the Waikato River Authority.

Susan is delighted about her appointment as chair and looking forward to getting stuck into her new role and meeting some of the committed landowners who are protecting and enhancing biodiversity across the country.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of the QEII National Trust and grateful to Minister Potaka for his confidence in me,” says Susan. “QEII does extraordinary work – quietly, consistently, and in genuine partnership with landowners and I am humbled to take on the responsibility of leading it at such an important time.”

Susan is considered to have great mana and trust within her communities, and will be effective in setting the organisation’s vision, and collaborating in order to achieve the Trust’s objectives.

“The Trust’s mission to protect and enhance open space and biodiversity on private land has never been more relevant. Some of the rare plants and animals protected by QEII covenants are only found on private land, so it’s really impactful work and only possible because of the strong relationships and reputation QEII has in the community. I look forward to working alongside the Board, the team, and QEII’s passionate community of covenantors to strengthen that work and ensure it endures for future generations.

“As a Waikato farmer myself, with land I care deeply about, I bring to this role not just governance experience but a personal connection to what QEII represents, the belief that those of us who are privileged to be kaitiaki of our land have a responsibility to protect what is precious on it.

“I also acknowledge the passing of QEII Chair Alan Livingston in April – his connections, considerable commitment and passion have been invaluable for QEII, and he leaves big shoes to fill.”

QEII Chief Executive Dan Coup has welcomed the appointment and is looking forward to getting to know Susan and working collaboratively on maximising the opportunities and tackling some of the challenges facing QEII.

“Susan has a good understanding of the Trust’s work already and we look forward to her leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead of us,” says Dan.

The QEII National Trust Board comprises six members, four appointed by the Minister of Conservation and two elected by QEII National Trust members. The three other Minister-appointed board members are Philip Hulme, Richard McDowell and Debbie Hyland. The two member-elected board members, elected in 2025, are Graham Mourie and Marie Taylor.