History of Lincoln Environmental Organisation (LEO)

L. E. O. - A Brief History.

L.E.O (The Lincoln Environmental Organisation) was first set up at Lincoln High School in 1990. There were attempts to have L.E.O as a "community wide" group including the high school, university, CRI’s and community however the group on campus is thought to be the only one that has run continuously. On campus the group was set up by staff members Graeme Buchan, Neil Cherry and Bob Leonard. At this time there was another group on campus, which included students, called BIOHUG, which focused on things organic and were not a more general environment group, as L.E.O wanted to be. The two groups coexisted for awhile before BIOHUG disappeared in the early 90s. L.E.O has always been a student/staff club and this has helped keep some continuity to the club between years as it still functions to some extent over the summer.

L.E.O developed the official Environmental Policy of the university between 1991 and 1993. The university council adopted it in August 1993. This led to the establishment of the Environmental Policy Advisory committee (EPAC) which was meant to advise the Vice Chancellor on implementation of the policy. Members of L.E.O were involved with EPAC until early 1997 when it stopped having meetings.

L.E.O-who are we/what we stand for

We are all people who are environmentally conscious and wish to see environmental issues promoted and acted upon. We are essentially a ‘grass roots’ organisation encouraging people to voice any concerns they have, and work together to see action taken. We organise events such as Environment Week on campus. We usually have fortnightly meetings, which allows important discussion and action on environmental issues to be taken. Meetings can range from debates and guest speakers to discussions for writing submissions.

We are affiliated to the national umbrella group ECO and the Christchurch Environment Centre, which gives us access to a lot of information on a number of different issues.

There are often day and weekend trips that LEO members go on, including tree planting and natural restoration projects (eg Hinewai Reserve, Banks Peninsula). Information on up-coming trips is usually given out at meetings and is also sent around by e-mail.

L.E.O is what its active members make of it each year- fun, challenging and educational. It plays a vital role on campus as a voice on issues that is outside the research teaching of the university.

L. E. O. Executive 2001

LEO Receives Information From the Following Organisations:

1. The Canterbury Regional Council
2. The Christchurch Environment Centre
3. Department of Conservation
4. The Environment and Conservation Organisations of New Zealand (ECO)
5. Maruia Nature Co.
6. The New Zealand Native Forests Restoration Trust
7. The Otamahua/Quail Island Ecological Restoration Trust
8. Travis Wetland Trust

Events and Event Planning

• Pine Pulling
• Junk Art Competition
• Conservation/Environment Week Planing
• Wild Week 1999
• LEO Logo Competition