Mervyn is DOC’s Deputy Director-General of Strategy and Innovation, and DOC’s Senior Liaison Officer on the Taranaki Mounga Board.
Growing up on a Southland farm near Fiordland National Park, Mervyn developed a love for New Zealand’s wild places early in life. Mountaineering became another passion and he first climbed Mt Taranaki when he was 17 years old. Since then he has accomplished Himalayan expeditions and many first ascents. He is also one of the pioneers of winter climbing in New Zealand.
Along with wife Susan, he is regularly active not he conservation estate – tramping, mountain biking, and taking pictures. He believes Taranaki Mounga will have a very successful collective impact and is excited about its goals of revitalising the Mounga.
As DOC’s DDG of Strategy and Innovation Mervyn is responsible for DOC’s strategic partnerships, customer engagement, human resources, health and safety and also leads the Department’s role in Treaty of Waitangi settlement negotiations.