24 June 1994 "Pacific Vision" Ecopolitics Conference at Lincoln a South Island First

Regional environmental problems of Australasia and the Pacific will be the focus of discussion at a major international conference at Lincoln University over 8-10 July.

Sponsored jointly by the Centre for Resource Management and the Centre for Maori Studies and Research at Lincoln University, the 8th Ecopolitics Conference, sub-titled "Pacific Visions", is being held for the first time in the South Island and only the second time in New Zealand.

Academics, administrators, professionals from many fields, environmentalists and the wider public will come together over the three days to examine regional environmental problems and how to address them.

Papers, forums and workshops will be offered in Pacific cultures, environmental policy and management, energy politics, green economics and politics, resolving environmental conflict, biodiversity, women and the environment, indigenous rights, environmental education, greenhouse politics, and environmental philosophy.

Speakers will include Environment secretary Roger Blakeley, Alliance MP Sandra Lee, "Energywatch" editor Molly Melhuish, NZ's representative on the UN Indigenous Peoples Committee Nganeko Minhinnick, Australian Northern Land Council representative Darryl Pearce, Green Party Councillor Steven Rainbow and Maruia Society Director Guy Salmon.

Participants are coming from Australia, the Pacific Islands and from throughout New Zealand.

Registrations are still open and the contact for full information is Betty Shore, Centre for Continuing Education, Lincoln University, telephone (03) 3252811.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.