Environment hui an opportunity to learn about conservation,Kiwi released back into the wild

CALL OF THE WILD: Whisker was released into the bush at Whinray Scenic Reserve on Saturday after living in a predator-proof enclosure for most of the year.

THE ANNUAL Tairawhiti Environment Hui on Friday is an opportunity for people to learn from some of New Zealand’s conservation experts.

They will be speaking on a range of topics from using technology in conservation work to promoting local conservation projects, at the Lawson Field Theatre.

Jamie Foxley from Tairawhiti Environment Centre, will give a thirty-minute presentation on the fresh water spawning project from 9.25am and this will be followed by the crew from Tauranga Moana: Caine Taiapa, Aaron McCallion and Dr Huhana Smith on enhancing coastal ecosystems from a Maori perspective, with great learnings for any marine group.

Michelle Impey will talk about the newly re-branded ‘Kiwis for kiwi’, formerly known as ‘BNZ Save the kiwi Trust’, which aims to support community groups in restoring native kiwi populations, from 10.55am to 11.20am.

Karen Te Kani will travel from Rotorua to talk about Scion’s white ngutukaka restoration project and other native plant work she is involved with on the East Coast, from 11.25am to 11.50am.

A youth panel will workshop ideas to engage young people with conservation from 11.55am to 12.30pm.

Another workshop will run at the ?same time, led by the Gisborne District Council communications team, on building the conservation work profiles and strategic writing to “get your message out there”.

Keynote speaker, Dame Anne Salmond, is home to talk about the ?Te Awaroa River project from 1.20pm ?to 1.40pm.

Rangimarkus Heke and Roland Pomana from Nga Whenua Rahui will highlight the various technology they use for conservation work, at the same time, an open floor seminar on effective restoration techniques.

This workshop will run from 1.45pm to 2.35pm.

A conservation leadership panel discussion will end the hui from 3pm ?to 3.45pm.

This includes Steve Sawyer from Eco Works, John Lucas from the Department of Conservation, Judy Campbell from Gisborne District Council, Dame Anne Salmond, Tairawhiti Environment Centres’ Jamie Foxley, Roland Pomana from Nga Whenua Rahui and Rob Hayes representing Primary Industries.

Organiser Trudi Ngawhare from the Department of Conservation hopes the event will help grow conservation efforts here.

“We got these guys in because they have faced the same challenges as most people in conservation and environment fields but have had to work differently to to be successful.

“It is a chance for conservation groups or anyone who works in environment projects to be inspired and maybe learn some new ideas and techniques.”

If people are unable to attend they can register to watch some of the presentations online via a web-based seminar.

Contact Trudi Ngawhare at tngawhare@doc.govt.nz and ?(06) 8690 487 or go to www.doc.govt.nz/environment hui for more information.

There will be a social event from 4pm to 6pm.