Tuesday, 26 May 2026 09:55

Peter Chrisp Appointed New Director-General of Conservation

Written by Staff Reporters

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Peter Chrisp

Former head of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Peter Chrisp is the new director-general of the Department of Conservation.

Welcoming his appointment, Environmental Defence Society (EDS) chief executive Gary Taylor says Chrisp understands the importance of the conservation estate, and the natural environment more generally, to New Zealand's economic welfare.

"He will be well placed to argue for adequate resourcing for the department which manages one-third of our country.

"There are clearly big challenges ahead for DoC with yesterday's announcement of further public service cuts."

Chrisp also has direct experience of conservation challenges on the ground through his work as chair of Predator Free Wellington.

"EDS looks forward to working constructively with the new director-general when he takes office at the end of June. We share common ground in wanting positive conservation outcomes for Aotearoa," says Taylor.

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