Gary is a former Mayor of Southland and a retired Senior Constable. He also managed Borland Lodge and chaired organisations including Koha Kai and the Borland Lodge Trust. He has been involved in governance for St John, education, boat clubs and community boards and brings decades of leadership to the region.

Tracy served as a Mayor of Gore for 18 years and chaired regional collaborations including the Southland Mayoral Forum and Southern Leadership Group. He played a key role in responses to the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter challenges and has extensive governance and project leadership experience.

Beryl chairs the South Invercargill Urban Rejuvenation Trust (South Alive) and has worked across health, education and community service. She has represented Southland in many consultation and governance groups and was awarded the MNZM in 2022 for services to the community.

Alastair is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors and has served as director and chair across a range of industries including sport, health, hospitality, aviation and primary production. He is focused on delivering outcomes that reflect Southland’s unique needs.

Himani is a liaison for Family Works and Director of Southland Migrant Walking Together, which supports cultural identity among Indian tamariki. A former Hindi School Trust Chair and teacher, she is passionate about supporting migrants and community participation.

I have lived and breathed the financial services industry for over 22 years progressing through my career at NBNZ, ASB, Westpac, FMG and back at ASB (Rural) in my role as Regional Manager (Lower South Island Team). My governance experience began in 2019 as director for the Southland Business Chamber, followed by an intern director role at South Port and most recently an intern director role with SBS Bank (Wealth).

Chris is an arable farmer and former President of Southland Federated Farmers. He has governance experience through Ardlussa Community Board and the National Federated Farmers Arable Executive. With 23 years in the local fire brigade, Chris brings firsthand emergency response knowledge.

John recently led the Heritage and Ngāi Tahu partnership stream for the Milford Opportunities Project. He has served on numerous conservation and education trusts and continues to play an active role in hazard planning and environmental stewardship for Fiordland.