Global Expertise in Our Backyard: Wao Summit’s Climate & Biodiversity Day
Wanaka is set to host some of the most inspiring global and local voices at the Wao Summit’s Climate and Biodiversity Day on Friday November 1st, bringing international expertise to our doorstep. This year’s event will feature an array of thought-provoking discussions, with experts exploring the challenges and solutions we face in the age of climate crisis.
The day will open with a session on Nature-Based Solutions, led by renowned experts David Norton and Sam Gibson, for a kōrero on the vital role of nature-based solutions in enhancing landscape and ecosystem resilience.
Sam, a conservationist with deep ties to the bush, founded the Eastern Whio Link project in 2020, focusing on restoring the whio (native blue duck) to the rivers of Waioeka. Through volunteer efforts, the project has seen remarkable success, growing from four breeding pairs to over 100 fledged chicks.
Sam was recently interviewed by RNZ, sharing the yarns about bush life in the new book Sam the Trap Man. - Listen here
David, an emeritus professor with over 40 years of experience in ecology, continues to work with farmers through his company, Biodiversity Solutions Ltd. He helps farmers integrate native biodiversity into farm management, creating sustainable practices that benefit both agriculture and ecosystems, particularly as climate conditions change. This kōrero highlights the critical role of nature-based solutions in building landscape and ecosystem resilience.
David and Sam will lead a Nature Walk at Kidds Bush earlier in the week also. This Tour, on Thursday 31st October, will be a fully immersive guided tour of the natural world, offering in-depth insights through the eyes of expert guides our expert guides. An event not to be missed!
Following this, Jo Tilson, Laura Molles and Sarah Forder will share insights from Makarora Mohua Mahi, a critical conservation initiative focused on protecting the local mohua (yellowhead) bird population.
Jo is a passionate conservationist and outdoor enthusiast with 25 years of experience in conservation, specialising in threatened species management and monitoring birds and animal pests.
Sarah holds a BSc in Environmental Science and an MSc in Conservation Biology, with a focus on alpine-dwelling Great Spotted Kiwi. Her conservation journey began in Queensland, volunteering at a rainforest reserve, and continued with a research stint in the Philippines, where she promoted native tree planting. After returning to New Zealand, Sarah spent 17 years as a Biodiversity Ranger with the Department of Conservation, working on the mainland and the Chatham Islands. She has extensive experience with the Great Spotted Kiwi and trained a conservation dog. Sarah is passionate about working with volunteers and now contributes to the Southern Lakes Sanctuary in partnership with Forest and Bird in Makarora.
Laura has held roles as a postdoctoral researcher, Senior Lecturer, and Natural Environment Advisor. Her research focuses on animal behaviour and conservation, particularly acoustic communication in birds. Laura's main research areas are animal behaviour and conservation, with a particular emphasis on acoustic communication. Laura has investigated vocal behaviour across a wide range of bird species, from tropical songbirds to penguins, aiming to understand how they use their songs to communicate with friends, mates, and rivals.
In a session rooted in deep cultural knowledge, Jana Davis, Pou Turaka (CEO) of Te Tapu o Tāne, will offer perspectives on strengthening community engagement and fostering a relationship with the land. Insights from Te Tapu o Tane is a discussion that will be a unique opportunity to understand how indigenous wisdom can guide us towards more sustainable practices.
The conversation will then shift to the State of our Climate, where Dr. Greg Bodeker will challenge us to rethink the intersection of growth limits and the climate crisis. He will explore the effects of a neoliberal capitalist economy on the environment, offering alternative pathways for systemic change.
Originally from South Africa, Greg came to New Zealand in 1994, and founded Bodeker Scientific in 2009.
Greg's expertise is in atmospheric and climate science. He has published more than 130 papers in these fields, and has held international leadership roles in climate science, including for the World Climate Research Programme and the Global Climate Observing System. Since 2009 he has been an adjunct professor at the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute, in the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, at Victoria University of Wellington.
Finally, the day will close with a profound kōrero and Green Drinks on Mata-Au – The Mighty Clutha, as Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Ron Bull of the Mata-Au Trust guide us through their work as kaitiakitanga (guardians) of this life-giving river, connecting past, present, and future generations to its legacy.
Each session promises to inspire action and foster a deeper understanding of how we can collaborate globally and locally to protect our ecosystems and communities. All sessions are at the Lake Wanaka Centre on Friday 1st November. Tickets only $5 for Green Drinks and $25 for all other sessions. We hope to see you there!
