New Trustees Appointed to Kotahitanga mō te Taiao for Regional Landscape Restoration

The environmental restoration alliance Kotahitanga mō te Taiao (KMTT) has announced the appointment of four new trustees to drive its landscape-scale conservation goals across Te Tauihu ki Kawatiri. On Tuesday, 4 August 2026, the Trust confirmed that Penny Nelson, Abbie Reynolds, Rachel Sanson, and Kerensa Johnston have joined the governance team, bringing a wealth of expertise in local government, iwi partnerships, and environmental leadership. KMTT Trust Chair Hemi Sundgren welcomed the new group, stating the appointments represent a significant step forward for the alliance’s restoration kaupapa. He emphasized that the trustees' diverse backgrounds would support the next phase of momentum for the region, which focuses on collaborative efforts between iwi, community organizations, and local government. New trustee Kerensa Johnston noted she was honored to contribute to a vision centered on the intergenerational wellbeing of both the whenua and whānau. The alliance, which seeks to restore biodiversity and strengthen the connection between people and nature, is also focused on practical goals such as Predator Free 2050. Alliance Co-Chair Martin Rodd remarked that the new appointments significantly strengthen the organization's governance, noting the inclusion of former senior conservation leaders. Diane Rossiter, representing the Buller District Council within the alliance, highlighted that trustee Rachel Sanson's understanding of financial pressures on local councils would be vital for maintaining long-term conservation commitments. Incoming trustee Penny Nelson expressed her commitment to protecting the region she calls home, while Abbie Reynolds described the Trust as a powerful vehicle for positive environmental change. As restoration projects continue to expand, these leaders are expected to play a critical role in guiding the alliance’s vision for a resilient and thriving ecosystem.