Russell Howie, of Nelson, ONZM, for services to environmental resource management
Russell Howie has been involved with environmental resource management since the 1960s and is a Commissioner of the Environment Court. He has written rules for granting the rights to use water, water classifications and consents. His National Water Conservation document was introduced to Parliament as the basis of the Water and Soil Conservation Amendment Act 1981. He managed the Water Resources Council and developed a new consultative process for the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand’s consent renewals. He settled a dispute between farmers and the Crown over the Maniapoto Irrigation Scheme. He oversaw the renewal of the Manapouri consents. He was Project Manager for the strengthening of the Matahina Dam and has been Chairman of the Society of Large Dams and a member of several Boards of Inquiry.