Symposium to present solutions for governance and management of parks and environments

The Parks Forum and the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) have joined to stage a symposium on the Co-governance and Co-management of Parks and Environments.

To be held in Wellington from 16th to 18th June 2014, the symposium will explore models that foster collaboration, build respect and facilitate the sharing of knowledge. Together Indigenous groups, park agencies, policy makers and other organisations involved in land and marine management will identify common challenges and generate solutions for the future.

Successful joint management will help to ensure that parks and environments conserve and protect our natural and cultural heritage. In recent years leadership by Indigenous peoples, progress on Treaty of Waitangi settlements and dynamic changes in parks’ governance and management models have emphasised the need to foster policies and practices that better reflect the responsibilities held by Indigenous owners and managers.

Delegates will hear from an inspiring line-up of speakers and take part in master classes and workshops across governance and management streams.

Special guests include:

• Nick Smith, New Zealand Minister of Conservation;

• Sir Mark Solomon, Chairman Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu;

• Matt Te Pou, Tuhoe;

• John Schutz, Executive Director, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Dr Matt Ward, Regional Manager, Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board;

• Paul Majurey, Chairman, Tamaki Makaurau Collective; and

• Mace Ward, Manager Regional and Specialist Parks at Auckland Council.

A key outcome from the symposium will be the development of a communiqué to articulate future direction for joint management in Australia and New Zealand at the World Parks Congress in Sydney in November 2014.

For further information or to register for symposium email: geoffcanham@parksforum.org or jude@nzrecreation.org.nz.

Click here to visit the Co-governance and Co-management of Parks and Environments website.

28th February 2014 - PARKS WEEK 2014 SET TO CONNECT COMMUNITIES WITH NATURE