Manager Pastoral - Mathew Clark

Mathew Clark joined LINZ in October 2002 as the relationship manager for the tenure review programme. Since then, he has filled the role of programme manager for tenure review, before being appointed to the role of manager of the Pastoral team in December 2007.

Mathew and his team at LINZ manage all pastoral-related high country management activities. This includes managing Crown pastoral leases, the tenure review programme, and working with leaseholders and other organisations with an interest in the South Island high country.

Having worked more than 18 years in the public sector, and also in the private sector in the telecommunications industry, Mathew’s mix of public service and commercial experience, combined with his Southland rural upbringing, place him in good stead to manage the Pastoral team.

"Growing up on a farm has helped me to understand and appreciate the issues facing pastoral farmers, and New Zealand’s rural culture," says Mathew. "And as a hunter and recreational user of the South Island high country, this has deepened my appreciation of its natural resources and extensive landscapes."

Since joining LINZ, Mathew has seen the Pastoral team grow in size, and also responsibility.

"We've achieved a huge amount as a team, which includes bringing the relationship between the Government and high country farmers back into LINZ, and completing tenure review for 75 pastoral leases since 2002," says Mathew. “There’s still plenty to do, but we’re making good progress."

Originally considered waste land, the rich culture, history and biodiversity of the South Island high country has been shaped by more than 150 years of pastoral farming. "Many of the significant ecological and landscape values now highly sought after for conservation purposes are as a result of this," explains Mathew. A key challenge for the Pastoral team is to find an optimum balance to encourage pastoral farming opportunities, and protect important conservation values, something Mathew says they’re committed to.

Mathew says that LINZ is a great place to work, as LINZ people have a great depth of technical expertise and experience, commitment and a track record for getting things done.

"It's great to be part of an organisation that is known for achieving results, and I’m proud to be involved in helping shape LINZ’s future."