Otago Conservation Board chairman Hoani Langsbury has not put himself forward for another term on the board.
Mr Langsbury will have spent 10 years on the board and five as chairman by the time his latest term comes to an end in August.
He was appointed in 2001 on the recommendation of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.
Mr Langsbury said he had completed the normally accepted number of terms on the board and his absence would give another member the opportunity to be chairman.
The board was also about to begin the process of reviewing the Otago conservation management strategy which would require "a lot of different thinking", he said.
Stepping down from the board would mean he had more time to work on more Dunedin-oriented projects such as gaining a mataitai (fishing reserve) for Otago Harbour and erosion issues at Te Rauone and Harington Point, on Otago Peninsula, he said.
The tenure review process which created a new range of conservation lands and the Mt Aspiring National Park plan were among the highlights of his 10 years' service.
Also standing down is retired high-country farmer Ross Allan, who was appointed in 2004.
Iris Scott and Gary Nixon's terms are also to end in August but they have indicated their willingness to be reappointed to the board.
Six nominations have been received for the three public vacancies on the 10-member board.
Ngai Tahu will make the nomination for the fourth vacancy.
The conservation minister will announce the appointments, which are normally for a three-year term, and they will take effect on September 1.
