Conservationist Sir Alan Mark fears politics is failing the environment

Sir Alan Mark is this year's recipient of the Blake Medal for his lifetime dedicated to protecting New Zealand's environment.

A renowned New Zealand conservationist who has witnessed a lifetime of environmental degradation is calling for a deeper, bipartisan approach from politicians.

Botanist Sir Alan Mark was this year’s recipient of the Blake Medal, which recognises one person who has contributed to a more sustainable future for New Zealand. The Blake Awards are inspired by celebrated yachtsman and environmental advocate Sir Peter Blake.

Mark is one of New Zealand’s most respected environmental leaders and the first recipient of a knighthood for services to conservation.

At 93 years old, he has witnessed vast changes to the environment and the devastating destruction of unique habitats in New Zealand.

“When we exploit the environment beyond its ability to recover we’re looking at serious problems, and politicians have shown they’re willing to do this,” Mark says.

“If we don’t look after that [the environment], we are doomed.”

Mark said action on climate change was a typical example of where humans were letting the environment down, and at this stage he did not see “any hope” of reversing the difficult situation.

“I think the democratic process has let us down here, when the party in power takes a stand... the other party says vote for us we wouldn’t put you through that,” Mark says.

He says he was disappointed in the Government’s approach to environmental issues, and he feared for future consequences, as increasing storms and cyclones would soon become unaffordable for the country to repair.

“For them, economic development is the only thing that matters, if they can get that, the environment doesn’t really count.”

In the late 1960s, the Government proposed raising the levels of the Fiordland lakes, Manapouri and Te Anau, to increase hydroelectricity production.

Mark said the fragile ecosystem and lake environment would have been badly damaged by a raised water level, an example he had seen in his youth spending time around Lake Monowai.

His research into the shorelines of the Fiordland lakes was the driving force behind the Save Manapouri campaign.

“When making these environmental and conservation efforts you get abuse from those who would rather see the development, and you pay that price,” he said.

The Norman Kirk Government “turned the tables” by stopping the raising of the lake levels and leaving them in their natural state, Mark said.

“I think the most important thing is to take the public into your confidence and explain the situation in simple but scientifically sound terms,” Mark said.

He attended Mornington School and went on to study botany, zoology and chemistry at Otago University eventually landing on plant ecology, before venturing to America as a Fulbright fellow to study for his PhD.

Otago University made Mark an emeritus professor for his services to the university.

2025 Blake Award winners

Earth Sciences New Zealand Pūtaiao/Science Award: Emeritus Professors Steve Dawson and Liz Slooten

Pakihi Auaha/Business Award: Michael Eaglen

Westpac Rangatira mō āpōpō/Young Leader: Riley Hathaway

Metlifecare Poutoko Hapori/Community Award: Claire Roper

Whakakakau/Communication Award: Nikora Ngaropo

Mātauranga/Education Award: Sally Carson

Ngā Kura/Schools Award: Stratford Primary School

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