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Two new board members appointed to Walking Access Commission
Posted under: Media release
Published 6 November 2019
The Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa is pleased to announce two new members to its governing board have been appointed by Minister Damien O’Connor.
The new board members are Celia Wade-Brown and Peter Coburn.
The Board’s Chair, John Forbes, says Mr Coburn and Ms Wade-Brown bring a range of experience to the board table.
"Their experience in rural and urban communities, land management, outdoor recreation and conservation will add value to our board table discussions," says Mr Forbes.
"With a review of the Walking Access Act 2008 having recently been completed, they join the board at an exciting and challenging time for the Commission," Mr Forbes also noted.
Peter Coburn is from Westport. He is a passionate outdoor recreationalist and was the private secretary for Rural Affairs from 2006 to 2008. In this role he managed and monitored key rural issues including overseeing Walking Access legislation through parliament and developing the ‘Rural Proofing’ policy.
He has considerable management experience in the maritime industry and conservation sector and has helped to establish marine reserves in the West Coast region.
Celia Wade-Brown QSO lives in the Wairarapa and was the Mayor of Wellington from 2010 to 2016 and previously a city councillor. She founded the walking advocacy group Living Streets Aotearoa and is currently its secretary. She is also a trustee of Walk21, the international charity dedicated to improving walking conditions, and a trustee of Te Araroa Trust.
Ms Wade-Brown is a keen walker, cyclist and kayaker, and has walked the full length of Te Araroa Trail. Mr Coburn and Ms Wade-Brown have each been appointed to a three-year term, commencing 18 November 2019.
Page last updated: 14 December 2023