Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust hosts national conservation conference in Dunedin

Profound changes are afoot in New Zealand conservation. Are we moving away from the centralized, publically funded model consolidated in the Department of Conservation to an approach which relies increasingly on communities to fund and conserve natural heritage themselves? Can the new approach retain the coordinated, scientifically based character of the old? Or will conservation lose its way? Is a government-led model envied the world over at risk and our international reputation as conservation pioneers and leaders?

These are some of the questions being addressed in Dunedin at the Conservation Inc 2 conference on 18 – 20 May 2016. This national convening of community conservation interests is hosted by Dunedin-based Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, a pioneer in its own right, and is a sequel to the Trust’s highly acclaimed Conservation Inc 2013 event.

Conservation Inc 2 will focus on the implications of change for the future of conservation in New Zealand and for our vanishing natural heritage. The conference is an event for anyone who is involved in any capacity with a conservation NGO or community group.

“Conference themes are tailored to the big questions of how individuals, community groups and NGOs can as act as leaders and custodians to relieve burgeoning pressures on New Zealand's remaining flora and fauna” said Sue Murray, General Manager and Conference Convenor, Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust.

The conference brings an impressive line-up of conservation players to Dunedin.

The Hon. Maggie Barry, Minister of Conservation, will open the conference and take questions from the floor.

James O’Connor, Head of Research for Birdlife Australia, will draw on the Australian experience to highlight issues arising there in State and community-led conservation efforts.

Margaret O’Sullivan, Group Marketing Manager for Fonterra Brands NZ Ltd, will give a major corporate’s perspective on associations with community conservation groups through sponsorship deals.

Gareth Morgan, noted economist and conservationist, will discuss changes to philanthropic gifting. Bill Kermode (CEO for NEXT Foundation), James Austin (Fundraising Institute of NZ), and Ben Reddiex (a DOC Director for Community Engagement) will offer additional insights.

The conference is preceded by three practical workshops intended to help community organisations pursue their causes more effectively. One will address the implications of new Health and Safety laws. The second looks at good governance and management practices for voluntary organisations. The third introduces a range of social research tools intended to improve the effectiveness of outreach and behavior-change strategies.

Conference registrations are open now at: http://www.yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz/conservation-inc-conference-2016/register-online

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