Second Circular and call for papers

Updated 21st February 2013

Planning for New Zealand's Conservation Incorporated conference is well advanced. We have chosen conference themes which will help citizen-based conservation thrive and grow in this country. This is very much an applied conference, designed to make us all stronger and more effective.

We invite expressions of interest in presenting formal papers, presentations and posters relevant to our themes. We welcome contributions which will inform us about our futures as New Zealand's conservation minders.

So what is Conservation Incorporated about? And what are our themes?

Conservation in this country is on the threshold of fundamental change. Custody of our unique biodiversity is passing progressively to community groups, many of us operating independently with local purpose. The Department of Conservation's new emphasis on community engagement is accelerating this shift. Conservation Incorporated offers a formative opportunity to explore the nature of the changes in train and the very significant challenges facing citizen-initiated conservation.

Conservation Incorporated will be hosted by the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust in Dunedin - wildlife capital of New Zealand - on 17-18 October 2013.

Our conference will examine questions relating to four themes:

1. Connecting

How can like-minded groups and NGOs connect to make the most of opportunities to collaborate?

2. Staying viable

What factors will influence the success and vitality of community-based conservation? What will it take to ensure that groups thrive and remain effective as custodians? What works and what doesn't in the way we organise ourselves and our work?

3. Responding to need

How well will community conservation projects meet biodiversity needs? How do we ensure that they do?

4. What's feasible?

What has worked so far for community-based conservation in New Zealand? What can we learn from that?

Pre-conference workshops of direct practical relevance to community groups are scheduled for Wednesday 16 October 2013. We plan workshops on how to raise funds, how to market our causes, and how to manage our affairs as voluntary organisations. Watch this space for more information.

How do we make offers of papers?

Proposals for papers, presentations and posters should be emailed to the conference organisers at . Please do so by Thursday 28 March 2013.

Third Circular

Updated 12th April 2013

Planning for New Zealand's Conservation Incorporated conference continues and various aspects are constantly being confirmed. Thank you to all of those that expressed interest in presenting formal papers relevant to our themes. We were overwhelmed with the responses and are working through which can be accepted. We have confirmed the Minister of Conservation, Dr Nick Smith will open the conference, followed by a great line up of excellent speakers on a variety of topics addressing the four conference themes.

The Conference venue is confirmed at the newly refurbished Dunedin Centre located in The Octagon. Recently refurbished, this venue is located in the heart of Dunedin city, and only short distance from accommodation, restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping and major attractions. The grand baroque style of the Dunedin Centre makes an impressive setting for our conference.

Pre-conference workshops

Three pre-conference workshops are scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday 16 October 2013 beginning at 1pm. Registrations to participate can be made with your conference registration. The workshop outlines are:

Governance as Leadership
by Margy-Jean Malcolm (Unitec NZ)

In this workshop, participants will explore:

• Core functions of governance and different ways we fulfil them
• Recruitment, retention and getting the best out of our governance team
• Practical question frameworks that help strategic thinking and planning
• Legal, financial and other stewardship responsibilities of good governance
• How we can shape our governance models and practices to make the most of the leadership contribution of diverse stakeholders?

Sustainable fundraising - what really works?
by Heather Newell (Foresee Communications)

How often do we hear the words that organisations should be thinking outside the box when it comes to fundraising? The success or otherwise of that strategy depends on how much we know about the box! At this session you will learn where the money really comes from and how to plan to receive your share. How you can develop a sustainable fundraising plan, and where you should invest your energy and effort. Learn from one of New Zealand's leading fundraising experts who has been working with thousands of New Zealand organisations and collecting case studies for more than twenty years.

Heather has achieved the highest accolade in the fundraising sector - a fellow of the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand. She holds the internationally recognised qualification of Certified Fund Raising Executive and is the lead trainer for the Fundraising Institute's Certificate of Fundraising qualification.

Pest Control
hosted by the Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Orokonui Ecosanctuary, the 307ha fenced nature reserve, has achieved extremely low pest levels due to an eradication and monitoring programme that is second to none and is now providing safe habitat to many threatened species. Come and learn about the control tools and techniques used by Orokonui and other community led projects, new trap designs (including Good Nature traps) and measuring biodiversity outcomes. The workshop includes a guided walk in the Ecosanctuary to look at pest infrastructure and enjoy the biodiversity outcomes! Coach from Dunedin and local wines and cheeses included in workshop fee.

Early Bird Registrations

These will open on 01 June so watch out for more information about how to register, fees and other options in the next flyer and on our website.

Contact us for more information on .