21/09/2026
It’s been a week of celebrating our Co-Chairs! Last week we shared the wonderful news of Greg Lind’s MNZM, and this time it’s Dr Leslie Van Gelder’s turn. 🎖️
Leslie was invested as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) at Government House on Friday for services to conservation and dark sky sanctuaries - a wonderful recognition of her many years of contribution to the places and communities of the Southern Lakes.
As Co-Chair of Southern Lakes Sanctuary, Leslie brings her insight, energy and thoughtful leadership to our work protecting nature across the region. Her contribution to conservation runs deep: she has served with Forest & Bird’s Central Otago Lakes branch, was Executive Officer for the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, and has supported conservation and community-led initiatives across the Southern Lakes for many years.
As chair of Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies, Leslie has played a leading role in the Glenorchy community’s journey to becoming an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, bringing people together to protect the night sky and helping Glenorchy become the 23rd dark sky sanctuary in the world. ✨
Alongside this, Leslie chairs the Queenstown Lakes District Council Climate Reference Group and has represented Tāhuna Glenorchy through the international Preserving Legacies initiative, helping develop approaches to understanding and responding to climate risks at significant sites around the world. Phew, does this wāhine toa find time to sleep?!
Born in New York and now a proud New Zealand citizen, we feel very lucky that Leslie chose to make the Southern Lakes home - and even luckier to have her around our governance table.
Whakamihi nui ki a koe, Leslie. Thank you for all you give to nature, climate and community. ✨🌿
📸 Government House
