Deputy Chair Craig Pauling

Craig was born and raised in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, attended Aranui High School and is a graduate of Lincoln University. He is of Māori and European descent, with tribal affiliations to Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Mutunga.

Craig has a degree in Environmental Management, and post-graduate qualifications in Social Science and Ecology. He is also a qualified RMA hearings commissioner, and has 20 years’ experience in environmental policy, research, and consultancy.

He is a founding trustee and co-Chair of Te Ara Kākāriki, a charitable organisation dedicated to ecological restoration on the Canterbury Plains, as well as being co-Chair of Te Kākahu Kahukura, and is also heavily involved in waka ama, being the President of Te Waka Pounamu Outrigger Canoe Club based on the shore of Whakaraupō/Lyttleton Harbour.

Craig’s key priority for this term is to help guide the review and strengthening of our regional plans, which is key to protecting and enhancing our environment - ki uta, ki tai - from the mountains to the sea. This includes addressing the state of our waterways, wetlands and groundwater, our unique biodiversity as well as confronting the challenges of a changing climate.