Speaker Aaron Fleming

Aaron Fleming has shown outstanding leadership skills during times of crisis and change in several different fields. He is a recipient of the Blake Emerging Leader Award, author, athlete and ambassador, a respected leader of people and a champion of the environment.

Since 2017 Aaron has been the Director Operations Southern South Island at Te Papa Atawhai looking after just under four million hectares of Aotearoa. This includes biodiversity rich conservation areas across Otago, Fiordland, Southland/Murihiku, Rakiura and the Sub-Antarctic Islands. In the Sub-Antarctic Aaron is the Minister’s delegate for the Coastal Plan.
Improving the lives of New Zealanders is the incentive that drives Aaron, which includes connecting people with nature to ensure Papatūānuku can thrive. Visitor management and visitor experience is an important part of ensuring a positive connection.