Photo of Rebecca McLeod

Dr Rebecca McLeod (Chair)

Guardian since 2012

Rebecca has extensive knowledge of Fiordland, from the rainforests to its unique marine environment, having conducted ecological research in the area for many years. She is a science advisor with experience in the academic, commercial and public service sectors, most recently advising New Zealand's Antarctic Science Programme.

Profile picture of guardian - Stewart Bull

Stewart Bull

Guardian since 1995

Stewart has extensive knowledge of the customary uses of Fiordland, particularly customary fishing. He is the former chair of the Oraka-Aparima Rūnaka and the former Oraka-Aparima Rūnaka representative on the Board of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Stewart is a Tāngata Tiaki, appointed by the Minister of Fisheries, in recognition of his particular expertise in local customary fishing management and resource issues. He is the Oraka Aparima Rūnaka representative on the Customary Fisheries Advisory Group and the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu representative to the Southland Conservation Board.

Ali Ballantine

Ali Ballantine

Guardian since 2018

Ali’s passion for and interest in Fiordland began when she moved to the area in the early 1980s.

During her tenure as Environment Southland Chairman and Councillor, she advocated for the formation of the Guardians and for the ongoing support and assistance the Council provides for them.

Under her watch as Chairman, biosecurity threats in Fiordland were prioritised, which resulted in the initiation of the Fiordland Marine Pathways Plan.

Pete Young

Peter Young

Guardian since 2018

Pete has worked on boats since he was 15-years-old. He lives in Te Anau and works in the fiords as a commercial fisher and skipper for charter vessels. He is also a very keen recreational fisher and hunter.

John Cushen

John Cushen

Guardian since 2021
John has a passion for Fiordland and has worked there as a tourism business advisor, nature guide and boat skipper.
Gavin Tayles

Gavin Tayles

Guardian since 2021
Gavin's heritage is in Southland and he resides in rural Northern Southland. He has had a life long association with recreation in the Fiordland National Park, and has been a recreational fisher and diver in the Fiordland Marine Area for more than 20 years.
Photo of Mark Peychers

Mark Peychers

Guardian since 1995

Mark has been a commercial fisher for almost 30 years and is a shareholding director of the Fiordland Lobster Company. He has been a guardian since the group began in 1995 and was involved in setting up Fiordland’s first two marine reserves.

Mark has built strong relationships with our partner agencies (Department of Conservation, Fisheries New Zealand, and Environment Southland). He is actively involved with fisheries management in Fiordland and other parts of New Zealand.

Simon Childerhouse

Dr Simon Childerhouse

Guardian since 2023

Simon is a marine scientist, specialising in marine mammals, with more than 25 years’ experience undertaking applied science in and out of government. His experience includes working for Fisheries New Zealand, Department of Conservation, the Australian Antarctic Division and independent research organisations. His work focuses on both conservation and sustainable utilisation. He has a love of remote places especially Fiordland, with experience in both Antarctica and the New Zealand sub-Antarctic region.