Robin Hapi (Ngati Kahungunu) was appointed Chair of Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd in mid-2007; he had previously spent three years as the company’s Chief Executive. AFL is the largest Maori-owned fisheries company in New Zealand, with a 50% shareholding in Sealord Group and Prepared Foods Ltd and 100% ownership of Moana Pacific Fisheries, Chatham Processing, Pacific Marine Farms and Prepared Foods Processing. Robin was previously the CEO of the former Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission. He is a director or chairman of several boards, including Sealord Group and the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council. (www.afl.maori.nz)

Chris Howe is Executive Director for WWF-New Zealand, an organisation that’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.  With its science-based and partnership approach, internationally WWF has become one of the world’s largest and most effective independent conservation organisations. Prior to becoming executive director, Chris held various roles at WWF-New Zealand and WWF-UK including most recently as New Zealand’s conservation director where he played a key role in establishing WWF’s Antarctica and Southern Ocean Initiative.  Originally from the UK, Chris has an MSc in Nature Conservation from University College London. (http://www.wwf.org.nz/)

Bill Mansfield has extensive experience in international law, diplomacy and public administration. He spent a 30 year career in the New Zealand Public Service, the first 20 with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade. During those years he became head of MFAT’s Legal Division, served twice at the United Nations and represented New Zealand at many international law making conferences, including the Law of the Sea Conference and conferences under the Antarctic Treaty. From 1990-97 he headed the Department of Conservation. Bill now practices as a barrister and international legal consultant, with a particular interest in public international law, international environmental law and law of the sea. He is a former Director of Antarctica New Zealand and is currently the Chair of the international negotiations to establish a South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation. He also chairs the Board of Trustees of Oxfam New Zealand.

Kevin O'Connor is currently the General Manager of Research Development & Improvement in DOC, his previous role was the Conservator for the Department in Southland which included significant involvement with the management of New Zealand subantarctic islands. Throughout his 30 years plus career in conservation management he has mostly been involved in various operational roles at a variety of locations through the country. (www.doc.govt.nz)