The Excellence Series showcases leadership and excellence across research, policy and practice, providing a platform for influential thinkers and decision-makers to share insights that help shape New Zealand’s future.
We are delighted to welcome Penny Nelson, Director-General of Conservation, for a special Excellence Series event exploring the role of conservation in supporting a thriving, resilient and prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealand’s natural environment underpins our identity, wellbeing, economy and international reputation. Yet biodiversity loss, climate change, increasing pressure on natural resources and evolving societal expectations are creating new challenges for how we manage and protect our landscapes, ecosystems and species.
In this seminar, Penny Nelson will reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand’s conservation system and the role that government, iwi, communities, researchers, industry and landowners can play in safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations. Drawing on her extensive experience in public sector leadership, she will share perspectives on conservation as a foundation for resilience, the importance of partnership and innovation and how environmental stewardship can contribute to broader social and economic outcomes.
This event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with one of New Zealand’s foremost leaders in conservation and to explore how collaborative approaches can help deliver positive outcomes for both people and nature.
Thursday 25 June 2026
1.00pm–2.30pm
Memorial Hall, Lincoln University & virtual livestream