Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka has re-appointed Alan Livingston as chair of Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a term of three years, with Debbie Hyland appointed as a new board director, also for a three-year term.

Alan comes from the Waikato and has been a QEII board member for five years, two of those as chair. He is a former Chair of the Waikato Regional Council and was Mayor of Waipa District Council for 12 years. Alan and his family farm on the slopes of Mt Pirongia, 35km southwest of Hamilton and they have two QEII covenants on the property.

Alan is enthusiastic about his re-appointment as chair and looking forward to continuing his involvement with QEII.

“QEII plays a crucial role in the protection of valuable biodiversity on private land, some of which contains our most rare and threatened species and habitats, so it is an honour and a privilege to be re-appointed as chair of the QEII board.”

“I’m looking forward to working alongside an experienced and committed board with a wide range of expertise. It is an especially critical time for us, as we’ve had to significantly scale back our new protection work while we look to secure more sustainable funding for QEII,” said Alan.

The Minister of Conservation also appointed a new director, Debbie Hyland, for a three-year term. Debbie is of Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi descent and was raised in Kawerau. She is a mother of three and a qualified accountant (FCCA, London) with Strategic CFO credentials from the University of Auckland. A passionate and experienced governance and executive leader, she brings local, national, and global expertise to advancing generational outcomes, grounded in values of environmental stewardship and legacy.

Debbie says she is deeply honoured to be joining the QEII board.

“The Trust plays a vital role in protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique natural and cultural heritage for future generations. I look forward to working alongside dedicated trustees, staff, and landowners to ensure the long-term protection of our treasured landscapes and biodiversity.

“I hope to help strengthen the Trust’s impact and support the remarkable efforts of those who voluntarily protect their land for future generations. It is a privilege to be part of that legacy of kaitiakitanga/guardianship and conservation,” said Debbie.

In welcoming Debbie to the board, Alan Livingston said, “Debbie’s appointment will bring diversity and new ideas to the board. She has strong financial credentials and significant strategic experience. I’m looking forward to getting to know Debbie and working with her and the rest of the board over this next term.”

Alan acknowledged outgoing board member Karen Schumacher for her input over the last five years.

“Karen’s absolute passion for QEII, her financial acumen, keen eye for detail and strong interest in the people side of our work and in sustainability have moved us forward significantly in those areas. I will miss her input and commitment to the betterment of QEII.”

The QEII National Trust Board comprises six members, four appointed by the Minister of Conservation and two elected by QEII National Trust members. The Ministerially-appointed board members are Alan Livingston, Debbie Hyland, Philip Hulme and Richard McDowell. The two member-elected board members, elected earlier this year, are Graham Mourie and Marie Taylor.