New Chair for Port Noise Liaison Committee

Port Noise Liaison Committee Independent Chair Dr Mara Wolkenhauer.

Dr Mara Wolkenhauer has been appointed as the Port Noise Liaison Committee’s Independent Chair.

Mara is an experienced director and chair of not-for-profit boards and committees. She has worked as a Business Development Manager at the University of Otago and a Principal Advisor Science Investment for the Department of Conservation. Mara was involved in New Zealand’s National Science Challenges (NSC), chairing the Challenge Parties Group of collaborators and stakeholders for Our Land & Water and the Resilience NSC.

German born and Australian educated, Mara has a PhD in marine sciences jointly from the University of Rostock and University of Queensland. Since moving to Dunedin 10 years ago, she has also completed an MBA from the University of Otago and developed her knowledge of Te Ao Māori values and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – particularly in relation to governance and decision making.

Mara was attracted to the Port Noise Liaison Committee Chair position by Port Otago’s transparent, responsive attitude and award-winning reporting. “In my governance roles, I’m looking for innovative organisations that have a genuine commitment to the environment and the communities they impact, beyond just a social licence to operate.

“As chair, I’m not there to convince people, but to respect and listen to them. I focus on the goal at hand and ensure everyone’s voice is heard, before we make a decision.”

Mara replaces the late David Richardson, who died suddenly in March this year. “David left big shoes to fill. Success for me will be continuing the excellent work of the committee with our communities. Like David, I also want our committee to be future-focused, not just reactive.”

Mara is mindful of the port’s central place – physically and economically – in the community. “We are all together living and working here. Economic prosperity and care for a sustainable environment is what we share. I understand that some issues do take longer to resolve and other may not go away at all. But that makes it even more important to listen to each other.”

Port Otago Director Chris Hopkins was on Mara’s interview panel. He says her no-nonsense attitude mixed with a sense of realism and a touch of humour made her a standout candidate. “With a respect for others, the community and an appreciation of Te Ao Māori, she will make a great chair.”

Dr Mara Wolkenhauer
Email: pnlc.independentchair@portotago.co.nz