The next talk in a new Council series covering marine issues and conservation - Whakawhiti kōrero mō te moana - Coastal Conversations – is planned for late November.

Al Alder from the Cawthron Institute Marine Ecologist Restoration Ecology Team will deliver a presentation titled ‘He tai pari, the rising tide of marine restoration in Aotearoa.’

The free event is at the Lansdowne Hub, Lansdowne Park, Blenheim on Thursday 27 November at 6.30pm.

Council’s Principal Coastal Scientist Oliver Wade, the brainchild of the new speaker series, said across the motu / country, groups were working hard to restore the marine environment.

“We invite members of the public to join Al as he shares insights from the frontlines in Te Tauihu / Top of the South and explores the future of this vital work in Aotearoa and beyond,” he said.

This talk follows on from the first in the series which is next Wednesday 5 November, also at the Lansdowne Hub at 6.30pm.

Professor Rochelle Constantine from Waipapa Taumata Rau / the University of Auckland will speak about whale and dolphin ecology and conservation biology.

“We have had a great response to registrations for this first Coastal Conversation presentation and we still have places available.

“Rochelle will present findings from long-term research programmes with a focus on recent Hector's dolphin research. She will also talk about the challenges facing cetaceans in a rapidly changing ocean and the importance of pragmatic approaches that place the animals and their environment at the centre of the conversation.

“She’s a well renowned speaker and an authority on this topic so we encourage anyone interested in the whales and dolphins in our big blue backyard to come along,” Mr Wade said.

Lansdowne Hub is wheelchair accessible and light refreshments will be available.

Please register your interest here:

The rising tide of marine restoration in Aotearoa - www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/coastal-conversations/blenheim

The Whales and Dolphins in Your Big Blue Backyard - www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/coastal-convversations/marlborough

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