NELSON MARLBOROUGH 2015 FISH & GAME COUNCIL ELECTION Candidate Profiles Listed in this booklet are the profile statements for each candidate for the 2015 Council election pursuant to regulation 10 of the Fish & Game Council Elections Regulations 1990.

The Returning Officer of the Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game Council accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the content contained in the statements as supplied by the candidates.

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ANDERSON Jim WAIRAU NORTH 4 BAIGENT Owen WAIMEA/BULLER 4 BLACKMORE Robin WAIRAU SOUTH 5 BORENSTEIN Felix WAIMEA/BULLER 5 CASH W F (Bill) BLENHEIM 6 CUDBY Carey WAIRAU SOUTH 6 DIXON-DIDIER Paul MOTUEKA/GOLDEN BAY 7 HAYNES David NELSON 7 HOLMES Steve NELSON 8 IRVINE Geoff NELSON 8 JARY Marc MOTUEKA/GOLDEN BAY 9 KROOS Tom NELSON 9 SUTHERLAND Ian WAIMEA/BULLER 10 WEBBER Alistair MOTUEKA/GOLDEN BAY 10 WEST Russell BLENHEIM 11 WILLIS Jean (John) NELSON 11

3 ANDERSON Jim WAIRAU NORTH I am 59 years of age with two adult daughters. • am current Fish & Game councillor having served on your council for the last twelve years • reside in the Kaemiko Valley, 5km south of Picton • raised in South Otago and began angling over 50 years ago on the and surrounding waterways • moved to Marlborough in 1979, self-employed since 1981 and also flew commercially in and around the Marlborough Sounds for 18 years. Currently semi-retired • served as President of Marlborough Freshwater Anglers Club, founding member and still current committee member of Save the Wairau. Made submissions and spoke to them at hearings for Trustpower’s application for its hydro electric power scheme in Marlborough and attended all associated environmental court hearings on the same issues • attended many regional and district council meetings and forums representing anglers interests, especially concerning minimum or sustainable flows for instream habitat for our fisheries as the last few years have seen Fish & Game grapple with some major issues of continuing pressure on water resources • I have an intense interest in promoting win/win outcomes for the protection and enhancement of our fisheries especially the fragile back country areas and if elected will work to promote and increase the profile of Fish & Game as a statutory authority within local government.

BAIGENT Owen WAIMEA/BULLER I would like to offer my service once again to be elected to the Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game Council. I am currently a sitting councillor (three terms), the previous three years as chairman. Being a keen trout fisherman and also a game bird hunter, I find it easy to represent both factions. After 22 years in the transport industry, I have now semi- retired into farming and therefore have a sound knowledge of the district and its environs. If re-elected I will continue to strive to preserve for the future generations what our previous councillors have preserved for us. Yours sincerely Owen Baigent

4 BLACKMORE Robin WAIRAU SOUTH My working background is in conservation management over forty three years; I am now retired and have time to devote to F&G as a councillor. I have served twenty four years on your Council to date and I still feel I have the energy and time to devote to improving your fisheries and game bird hunting opportunities. The issues over the next three years are going to be just as challenging as the last. Conservation Orders and the RMA are under threat and I am committed to ensuring the future of river and wetland protection as this benefits the whole nation. These are not secured without significant effort and expense by Fish & Game but I believe it is good use of license holder’s money, without habitat our sports cannot flourish. I will continue to ensure your Council’s involvement in the RMA process as appropriate. There are many issues F&G must be awake to, expansion of intensive farming, inappropriate hydro schemes, and excessive irrigation takes are all at the expense of environmental values and I will do my best to ensure best outcomes for F&G. Without a secure and sustainable environment our economic future will not progress. I am committed to working to safeguard F&G’s future and to serve the interests of license holders to the best of my ability.

BORENSTEIN Felix WAIMEA/BULLER Although I’m originally from the big, sunburnt place across the ditch, I’ve lived in for the last 12 years. I love this country, the people, the environment and the fishing – so much so that after building and establishing a fishing lodge in the Nelson Lakes region, I officially became a Kiwi several years ago. If home is where the heart is, then I’m home. I don’t know who came up with that line but it pretty much sums it up for me. You won’t get me excited about the usual trans-Tasman rivalries (I support the All Blacks) but mention the preservation of our New Zealand fishery and you’ve got my undivided attention. I’m passionate about protecting waterways, fish stocks and unimpeded access to rivers and lakes and that’s why I’m committed to supporting the aims of Fish & Game New Zealand. Great fishing needs great water and don’t I know it. My livelihood depends on both. I also want to do everything I can to ensure future generations of anglers can have the benefit of the outstanding fishery we currently enjoy in this country. I am an Executive Member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association and I hope to bring that same drive, determination and dedication to furthering Fish & Game New Zealand’s vital work as a Nelson/Marlborough regional councillor.

5 CASH W F (Bill) BLENHEIM I have recently retired after over 30 years with the Department of Conservation and prior to that the New Zealand Wildlife Service. In both, I specialised in habitat and species management. It is this experience in these two fields I feel I can make a worthwhile contribution to the Fish & Game Council. Backing this up with holding a trout licence for almost 30 years in this region, I feel I have a good working knowledge of our region. Although there is a real need to better protect our headwaters, there is also a need to better protect/ manage lowland river waterways, that is where most locals fish. Fish & Game are a leading player if not the leading player in both protecting our waterways and managing our wetlands. Fish & Game now have a very skilled workforce, back this up with a knowledgeable council who can give both practical and positive advice, so all wildlife species be it game or protected species will benefit. During my working days, I was involved in many restoration projects which included both planting and pest control. It is the protection of habitat, and in many cases the enhancement of habitat, that is the key to providing a healthy fishery or plentiful game birds. I feel my past experience and knowledge in this field would be an asset and Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game Council.

CUDBY Carey WAIRAU SOUTH Born in Wellington 1951, retired to Marlborough in 2002. My working career was in commerce, management and administration with the majority of my time spent with the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand. I am a keen fisherman and hunter and if successful in this election this will be my third term. I have spent a lifetime enjoying the NZ outdoors, as work commitments permitted, but have always been aware of the shrinking water flows, habitat loss and growing access issues. Shortly after moving to Marlborough I became involved with the TrustPower application for hydro development on the Wairau River. I continue to be involved in this issue both in my current position and as a council member for Save the Wairau River Inc. and the Marlborough Freshwater Anglers Club. I was actively involved in the Landcare review of the Wairau ‘Waters in Common’ and currently have attended and had input into our Council’s ‘Review of Water Allocation and Use’ community forums, which form part of the Council’s plan review. There is a ground swell in the media which has bought many of the issues facing the environment and the unsustainable grab for our water resources, unfortunately this continues to be ignored by the developers, regulators and central government by way of long-term policy and 6 action that provides for a sustainable future. I will continue to advocate for more robust policy in government that protects the environment and the sustainability of our water resources into the future for all New Zealanders.

DIXON-DIDIER Paul MOTUEKA/GOLDEN BAY I have served on the Nelson-Marlborough Fish & Game Council for 6 previous terms and I am currently on the Game Committee and Executive Committee. I am the region’s appointee to the New Zealand Fish & Game Council where I am also on the Executive Committee. Whether at a local or national level I bring the same passion and commitment to protect the interests of anglers and hunters. Our rivers, lakes, wetlands and upland game habitats remain under constant threat from degradation, abstraction or compromised public access and I am resolute to maintain Fish & Game’s position as New Zealand’s most prominent and effective advocate for these environments, whether this takes place over the farm gate, at local government level or in the Environment Court. If re-elected I will prioritise the following issues: • providing education and opportunity for young anglers and hunters • return of Canadian geese as a game bird • lowland river enhancement and restocking where feasible • opposing any changes to the Resource Management Act that would dilute environmental protection • Wairau river salmon fishing enhancement • Riwaka river fishery restoration I bring a range of skills and expertise to Fish & Game including leadership, corporate governance, financial management, strategic thinking and human resource management. I confirm that I have no personal or associated business or property interest that represents a conflict of interest with my involvement with Fish & Game.

HAYNES David NELSON I have been a resident of Nelson for six years, a Nelson/ Marlborough councillor for the last three and am the current president of the NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers, the latter a national body advocating for protection of freshwater fisheries. I also sit on the Fish Sub-Committee for the Fish & Game region. I am an equally passionate angler, freshwater conservationist and outdoorsman and spend pretty much all of my free time hunting, fishing or tramping. 7 Nelson/ provides some world-class fishing and also a number of challenges such as the decline of the Buller and upper Pelorus fisheries. So, if I were to be elected to the Nelson/Marlborough Council my focus would be on protecting our good fisheries and improving our poor ones. My fellow councillors and fisheries staff have worked very hard in this area; researching initiatives to repair fisheries, improving data collection on their state and condition and having constant communications with TrustPower, Tasman and Marlborough District Councils to present the anglers’ perspective on water quality, insensitive river works schemes, water abstraction and diversion. In addition I have volunteered my time in the field undertaking drift dives, riparian tree planting and salmon spawning counts and would like to continue to do so if elected this year. We have some spectacular fishing here in Nelson/ Marlborough, a dynamic new manager supported by an excellent tight-knit team of staff and councillors and I would be proud to be elected as a representative of the fishing licence holders of the region.

HOLMES Steve NELSON I live in Wakefield and am the Managing Director of H&H Concrete Limited. I have always been involved with the outdoors from my childhood through to the present. Whether it be fishing, big game animals or game birds, my recreational time usually involves one or the other. I have four grandchildren that I spend as much time as possible introducing them to the endless outdoors we have in this district. I am very passionate about our gamebirds and would ideally like to put something back into this resource through the Fish & Game Council. I believe through what I have seen over the years and learnt we have to manage these resources through habitat enhancement, pest control and education so as to guarantee that our children and grandchildren have the same, if not better, chance to enjoy what we have had in the past.

IRVINE Geoff NELSON Hi my name is Geoff Irvine, I’m 47 and I live in Richmond. I have a lovely wife and two children. I’m standing for the Fish & Game Council because I grew up here and I care about our local resource. I’m a very keen gamebird hunter and will do my upmost to push gamebird issues to the front of the list, that’s not to say I don’t enjoy catching the odd trout around the district. I will bring a new and fresh approach to the table especially around the social media area, and get connected with young hunters again. It’s time for me to put something back into a sport that has served me so well.

8 JARY Marc MOTUEKA/GOLDEN BAY My name is Marc Jary; I have lived in the Nelson- Marlborough Region for nearly all of my life. While I‘m most likely the youngest candidate, I feel I have a lot to bring to the table. I have previously worked for Fish & Game in both the Nelson and West Coast regions, and currently work for the Cawthron Institute based out of Nelson. Working for these organisations has provided me with an in-depth understanding of the issues faced by our region. I have a sound ecological knowledge and hands-on understanding of monitoring and sampling techniques, including financial and operational considerations. I also have experience as a health and safety representative. In addition to my professional credentials, I am an avid game bird hunter, conservationist and fisherman. I believe firmly in retaining and enhancing the hunting and fishing opportunities I have had the privilege to experience while growing up in this region. As a councillor, I would like to: work closely with staff to ensure all objectives are completed to the highest standard possible; develop new initiatives to protect, manage and enhance our resources; and push for improved community and stakeholder relationships.

KROOS Tom NELSON Sports fish and game management in New Zealand is unique in that you, as a licence holder, have opportunity to manage your own affairs. One positive way to contribute to the future management of your sport is to vote in the upcoming election and for this action alone I thank you. For the past 34 years I have made my own contribution to our sport. From 1981-1985 I was employed as the Senior Fisheries Officer for the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. In 1985 I joined the New Zealand Wildlife Service and worked as the National Game Bird Coordinator with additional field responsibilities in the Nelson Marlborough region. From 1987-2004 I was based in Queenstown as a Fish & Game Officer for the Wildlife Service and Fish & Game Otago region. In 2004 I moved to the Nelson region and started by own environmental consultancy business Fish and Wildlife Services. I currently donate my time and experience as a standing Fish & Game councillor. I have strong views on the need to be proactive about habitat protection issues while recognising the need to manage and protect the sports fish and game bird resource and culture in the best interests of all of us, the licence holders.

9 SUTHERLAND Ian WAIMEA/BULLER • 35 years old • Married with two children • Keen fisherman and very passionate gamebird hunter • Currently contract milking in the Maruia Valley • Have also been a voluntary Fish & Game ranger

WEBBER Alistair MOTUEKA/GOLDEN BAY I am standing for my third term as a councillor for the Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game Council. During my first 2 terms I have gained much experience on the many issues that Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game deal with and if elected again believe I can continue to make a valuable contribution. Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game is in good heart with a new energy and resolve and I would like to continue to be involved in the many challenges that lie ahead. If elected the priorities I will advocate for include; 1. Initiatives between F & G, farming, community and environmental groups to improve water quality and environmental outcomes for fishing and hunting 2. A Council global resource consent that recognises F & G as an important stakeholder, incorporates safeguards for the environment and effectively deals with river management issues such as crack willow and gravel extraction 3. A National Environmental Forestry Standard which has effective measures to protect waterways from the detrimental effects of commercial forestry 4. Resolution of long term issues relating to the Branch and Leatham fisheries 5. Measures to strengthen protections for fragile backcountry fisheries I have been living in the Nelson area since 1974. I have a legal background (35 years in legal practice) and have a small farm adjacent to the Baton and Motueka rivers.

10 WEST Russell BLENHEIM My name is Russell West and I live in Blenheim with my wife and four children. I grew up in Brightwater, Nelson and moved to Blenheim in 2000. My main interest is waterfowl hunting and competing in duck and goose calling contests and have competed twice at the World Duck Calling Competition held in Stuttgart USA. During the last term I have held the position of Co-opt councillor and this involvement has encouraged me to stand for the 2015 Council election. My initial focus has been to see the progression of the Para Wetland and Waterfowl management in our region. What I have learnt in my time as a Co-opt councillor is the importance of not just focusing on your own personal interest but on the interest of both angler and hunter together, and concentrating on the best way of improving the health and sustainability of both our fish and game, ensuring they are available to us today and in the future.

WILLIS Jean (John) NELSON Jean is a dedicated fly fisher and occasional hunter who has a passion for angling. He has lived and fished in the Nelson Marlborough region for over 30 years. He is currently resident on the Coast but will be moving back to Nelson in the new year. A West Coast councillor, the West Coast representative on the National Fish & Game Council, and has previously been a councillor for Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game Council and is an honorary ranger. He has also held the office of Secretary of the Nelson Trout Fishing Club and has been elected as a life member. He is very aware of the issues and threats to Fish & Game and understands the governorship role that is required. Agrees totally with the need to manage, maintain and enhance sports fish and gamebirds, and their habitats in the best long term interest of present and future generations of anglers. Jean appreciates the legacy left to anglers and hunters by Acclimatisation Societies and more recently Fish & Game, and wants to help Fish & Game maintain that legacy so others can share in the pleasure that fishing and hunting can bring.

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