The managing director of the world’s sole publicly-listed environmental conservation company will bring his fresh and innovative ideas to New Zealand when he speaks at ACT’s annual conference this weekend, MP Gerry Eckhoff said today.

“Dr John Wamsley, founder of Environmental Sanctuaries Ltd (ESL) is a conservationist dedicated to saving Australia’s threatened mammals. He is living proof that commercial imperatives and the protection of wildlife are compatible.

“His visit is timely. Last week the Minister of Environment raised in parliament my idea of controlled breeding of endangered species.

“The treasured kiwi, our national symbol is, under the current Government monopoly, destined to be extinct in mainland New Zealand in 20 years. The issue is not fundamentally about money it is about saving species. It is about bringing to wildlife management the commercial principles and disciplines normally applied to domestic animal husbandry.

“Dr Wamsley’s success in Australia proves that the private sector is ready and willing to introduce innovative ways to save our wildlife.

“Dr Wamsley has created three environmental sanctuaries open to the public, with more being developed. Within these areas, feral animals are eradicated and re-vegetation programs are implemented. Then, native animals are re-introduced. Ecotourism, education and other cash flow activities are developed to fund the conservation work.

“As well-known conservationist Dr David Bellamy said of ESL: ‘They cut the crap of conservation and get on with the job of saving species. No charity, no begging bowls - just dedicated people, part of a fully functional 21st century business getting on with the job of saving the biodiversity of the Earth.’

“Dr Wamsley’s fresh perspective is long overdue in New Zealand,” Gerry Eckhoff said.

Dr John Wamsley will speak at the ACT Conference in Christchurch at 7.30pm on Saturday 10 March.

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