Climate Reference Group Chair recognised for services to conservation

We recently celebrated the appointment of Queenstown Lakes District Climate Reference Group (CRG) Chair Dr Leslie Van Gelder as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

A passionate advocate for conservation, climate resilience and community-led environmental action, Leslie has made a significant contribution to the Southern Lakes region since making Glenorchy her home in 2008.

As Chair of QLDC's Climate Reference Group, Leslie has helped guide community input into climate action across the district, fostering collaboration and helping shape the community's response to the environmental, social and economic changes associated with a changing climate.

Alongside her work with the Climate Reference Group, Leslie is Co-Chair and co-founder of Southern Lakes Sanctuary, one of New Zealand's largest landscape-scale conservation projects. Her leadership has also contributed to a range of biodiversity, heritage and sustainability initiatives across the region.

In 2025, Leslie helped lead the successful community effort to achieve International Dark Sky Sanctuary status for Glenorchy, making it only the 23rd dark sky sanctuary in the world.

Reflecting on the honour, Leslie said she was deeply moved by the recognition and grateful for the many people she has worked alongside throughout her conservation journey.

"I feel so fortunate to get to work with so many amazing people in this district who genuinely put their hearts into the mahi they do. I’m just one of many and together it’s remarkable what we’re able to achieve."

The King's Birthday Honours also recognised Southern Lakes Sanctuary Co-Chair Greg Lind, who was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to conservation and search and rescue.

QLDC congratulates Leslie on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her ongoing leadership and commitment to helping build a more resilient and environmentally sustainable future for the Queenstown Lakes district.