19 July 1999 Lincoln Takes Nation's Environmental Pulse

A ‘state of the nation’ address on the environment will be presented at Lincoln University on Wednesday evening (21 July) by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Morgan Williams.

Following the tradition of ‘state of the nation’ addresses on political, economic, and budgetary matters, the State of the Nation's Environment address is believed to be an international first and Lincoln University intends to hold one annually, featuring an appropriate eminent speaker.

"With all of New Zealand's health, wealth and welfare stemming from the environment it's only logical that we should put it first and have an annual assessment of how we are faring environmentally," says Lincoln University's Professor Ian Spellerberg, Director of the International Centre for Nature Conservation.

"In today's global economy New Zealand's marketing niche is based on its ‘clean, green’ environment and that's what our big earners such as agriculture and tourism are dependent on. To enjoy a strong economy we've first of all got to have and maintain a good environment. So let's put first things first."

The State of the Nation's Environment address will be chaired by Lady Diana Isaac of Christchurch, co-founder with her late husband of the Isaac Wildlife Trust and recipient of two honorary university doctorates for her contributions to nature conservation and environmental rehabilitation.

The address will be followed by responses from Canterbury Regional Council's Chief Executive, Ian Cumming, and the Chief Executive of Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce, Peter Townsend.

The inaugural State of the Nation's Environment address is in Lincoln University's Stewart Lecture Theatre 1 between 5.00 - 6.00pm on Wednesday 21 July. It is an open address and all interested members of the public are welcome to attend.

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