Robin and Peter

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Farewell to two members of our Board

Published 7 May 2019

As a crown entity, the Walking Access Commission is governed by an independent Board, appointed by the Minister of Agriculture.

The terms of two of our Board members, Peter Brown and Robin McNeill, expired at the start of April, and their departure from the Board will be keenly felt amongst the remaining Board members and the staff of the Commission.

Peter Brown has been involved in public access for longer than the Commission has existed. His ancestral land on the East Cape is home to a public track leading to the East Cape Lighthouse, and his generosity alongside his whānau in allowing this access is a wonderful gift.

Prior to the Commission’s formation in 2008, Peter was part of a panel formed by the then-Government to investigate the best way forward for addressing public access issues, and in 2008 when the Walking Access Act was passed, Peter was appointed to the Board of the brand-new Walking Access Commission.

His immense knowledge, and the mana he brings with him, have been a huge benefit to the Commission over the past ten years, and his work to have the Commission appoint a kaumātua is a credit to his belief in the importance of the Crown working alongside Māori in partnership.

Robin McNeill joined the Commission’s Board in 2016, after finishing his term as the President of Federated Mountain Clubs. Robin brought with him vast experience in New Zealand’s outdoors and important networks with recreationalists across the country.

Prior to joining the Board, Robin was also involved in an advisory group that helped inform the creation of the Walking Access Mapping System, which today is one of the Commission’s most important tools.

Robin and Peter, on behalf of the Commission and all who enjoy improved public access to the outdoors due to your efforts, thank you!