Susan O’Regan Named Chair of QEII National Trust

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced that Waikato dairy farmer Susan O’Regan will serve as the new Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Board, succeeding the late Alan Livingstone. The Trust, an independent charitable organization, partners with private landowners to safeguard open spaces of special significance through covenants. O’Regan, who has served as Mayor of Waipa District and currently holds a Crown appointment on the Waikato River Authority, brings extensive local‑government experience and strong ties to the rural community. Potaka said the appointment would strengthen the Trust’s links with rural stakeholders and iwi. The change follows Livingstone’s death in April, and the Trust will continue its work protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity and public access to nature.