Our speakers will share their expertise and experience in applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in conservation management, threatened species recovery and predator management.

John Innes from Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, speaking on The Plight and Conservation of Mainland Forest Birds.

New Zealand’s ancient forest birds are perfectly adapted to a world that no longer exists. Pest mammals and forest clearance have expunged some species to offshore islands, and some formerly widespread taxa are declining on our watch. What is being done to recover populations and could it be done better?

Dr Anna Santure, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, speaking on Sustaining our Threatened Hihi.

Hihi (stitchbird) are a small, threatened forest bird that was once found across Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island). Although lost by the 1880s to all but a single offshore island, Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island), reintroductions since the 1980s have successfully established seven new populations. I'll discuss the successes and challenges of hihi conservation, and the role of detailed individual and population monitoring such as lifetime breeding and genetic diversity, in helping us learn how best to sustain hihi into the future.

Nicola MacDonald, Ngati Rehua, Ngati Wai, Co-Chair Hauraki Gulf Forum, Chair Auckland Conservation Board, Chair Aotea Conservation Advisory Park, Chair Te Pou Taiao, will speak on Applying the Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Conservation Management.

In 2016, a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Hauturu o Toi was formally agreed upon by mana whenua Ngati Manuhiri and the Department of Conservation. I will discuss the principles that shaped the development of the CMP and the application of tikanga that is applied and the challenges to ensure that the mana and mauri of Hauturu o Toi is upheld.

Get the Zoom link here or register for a calendar invite.