Date:  17 May 2016 Source:  Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust

New Zealand’s largest conservation conference begins in Dunedin tomorrow, attracting more than 150 people from 80 conservation groups or associated businesses from throughout New Zealand.

Sue Murray, general manager of the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust which is hosting the Conservation Inc 2 conference at the Dunedin Centre from 18-20 May, said the non-government organisations and community groups being represented at the conference play a key role in delivering New Zealand’s conservation effort.

“This conference aims to help NGOs better understand how conservation works in the rapidly evolving social and financial environment,” Sue said.

“The number of conservation and environmental groups in New Zealand is increasing every year. This is an opportunity for conservationists to share knowledge, look ahead, make connections and discuss matters pivotal to the future of community based conservation work in this country.”

The conference will focus on the implications of change for the future of conservation in New Zealand and for our vanishing natural heritage. The conference has four themes - seizing the future, succeeding in a changing world, powering up through co-operation and daring and innovation.

The Minister of Conservation, the Hon. Maggie Barry, will open the conference and take questions from the floor. The Leader of the Labour Party, Andrew Little, will also speak.

Key speakers will include James O’Connor, Head of Research for Birdlife Australia, Margaret O’Sullivan, Group Marketing Manager for Fonterra Brands NZ Ltd, Geoff Simmons from the Morgan Foundation, Bill Kermode, CEO for the NEXT Foundation, Bronwyn Golder from The Pew Charitable Trusts, and Lou Sanson, Director General of the Department of Conservation.

The day before the conference, three workshops will be held covering community-based social marketing, keeping volunteers safe and productive, and governance and management.

Background

The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust was formed 28 years ago and was the first single species trust in New Zealand.

This is a sequel to the first Conservation Inc conference held in 2013.