Panelists Announced for Marine Conservation Conversation

Panelists Announced for Marine Conservation Conversation

A panel of experts has been invited to have a public conversation about the future of marine conservation as part of the Seaweek 2016 event “Marine Conservation Futures and the Legacy of Bill Ballantine” on Thursday 3 March at 7pm at the University of Auckland.

Director of the University’s Institute of Marine Studies Professor Simon Thrush is anticipating a “thought provoking and future focussed discussion” and will moderate the debate.

Members of the Ballantine family will be attending the event that will celebrate a lifetime’s work championing marine conservation across the globe by Dr Bill Ballantine, who recently passed away. Professor Thrush will open the event by summarising Bill’s career and his contribution to marine conservation.

Then speakers Dr Nick Shears ( Institute of Marine Studies, University of Auckland) will talk about the implications for marine conservation of the latest science from the Institute’s Leigh Marine Laboratory and Steve Hathaway, (underwater cameraman and Young Ocean Explorer) will show stunning video footage of New Zealand's marine life and give his observations on marine conservation.

The speakers will be followed by a Panel Debate on the future of marine conservation featuring leaders in various aspects and sectors of marine science and industry. Questions from the audience are welcome. The panel will comprise: Steve Hathaway; Dr Nick Shears; Sue Taie (Pacific Director Conservation International); Raewyn Peart (Environmental Defence Society); Volker Kuntzsch (CEO Sanfords); Bill Kermode (CEO Next Foundation); Dr Nick Lewis (School of Environment University of Auckland); Paul Walden, (Chair of the Waiheke Local Board).

The evening will conclude with the awarding of the Seaweek 2016 Ocean Champion prize of $500 sponsored by the New Zealand Coastal Society to one of 7 nominees.

This is a free event sponsored by the University of Auckland, Waitakere Ranges Local Board, Waiheke Local Board and Waitemata Local Board.

Thursday 3 March, 7pm at the University of Auckland, Fisher & Paykel Appliances Auditorium in the Owen Glenn Building (parking underneath).

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