NZTE head Peter Chrisp appointed to lead Department of Conservation

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise chief executive Peter Chrisp has been appointed the chief executive of the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Deputy Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott announced the appointment of Chrisp to the roles of director‑general of conservation and chief executive of DOC on Wednesday morning.

“Mr Chrisp brings extensive public and private sector leadership experience and a strong track record leading organisations,” she said in a statement.

Chrisp has been in charge of NZTE since 2010, has been a director of the Port of Auckland since 2021 and earlier in his career held roles senior roles in Fletcher Challenge and the paper and pulp company Norske Skog.

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He had also held governance and leadership experience linked to conservation and biodiversity, including serving as chairperson of Predator Free Wellington.

Baggott said his leadership aligned with DOC and its role in balancing environmental, economic and community outcomes.

“Mr Chrisp has worked alongside iwi, communities and stakeholders to deliver practical outcomes – and he understands where conservation, community interests and economic activity intersect.”

He has been appointed for five years from July 13.