Top environmental speaker comes to Nelson

Nelsonians have the opportunity to hear from one of New Zealand’s foremost environmental advocates next week (Sept 26), when the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust and the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce bring Rob Fenwick to town.

Rob has an impressive track record in environmental businesses and organisations, which saw him recognized as a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in 2008. His topic in Nelson is ‘Investing in the Environment - Why Would You Bother?’

Brook Sanctuary General Manager Hudson Dodd said it is a coup securing Rob to speak in Nelson.

“Rob is a very successful businessman with a focus on sustainable development, and is also a crusader for the environment. His philosophy aligns strongly with the aims of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust, to create a nationally significant conservation environment that contributes to the local economy," he said. "We are delighted that Rob is adding his support for ‘The Brook’ at this critical time as we launch the capital campaign to raise the balance of funds needed to build the pest-proof fence."

Rob Fenwick is Co-Founder of Living Earth Limited, a nationwide organic waste recovery and composting company with operations inAuckland and Christchurch, and has been involved in many aspects of resource recovery and waste minimisation. He is Chair of the NZ Waste Advisory Board, Antarctica New Zealand, and BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust; Deputy Chair of TVNZ, a member of the Boards of carboNZero and the Air NZ Environment Trust; and a founding member and executive councillor of the NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Rob is devoted to helping protect New Zealand’s native biodiversity. He was on the board of WWF-New Zealand, is a former chairman of the Motutapu Island Restoration Trust and is patron of the New Zealand Native Plant Conservation Network. He funded extensive pest control on his 300-hectare coastal forest block on Waiheke Island, with the aim of releasing native birds in conjunction with Auckland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.

Rob’s talk in Nelson is at 5.30pm on Wednesday 26 Sept, at the NMIT Arts & Media Theatre, in Nile Street. The public is invited toattend. Booking is essential as seats are limited. Register at through the Chamber of Commerce, online at: www.commerce.org.nz or by ringing 548 1363. Tickets are $30+GST ($34.50); or $20+GST ($23.00) for members of Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust or Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce. Drinks and canapés, included in the ticket price, will be served following Rob’s presentation.

The event is hosted by the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust and Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce with the support of BNZ, NMIT and Cawthron Institute.

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