The return of the State of the Nation's Environment Address with Simon Upton
Lincoln University is proud to welcome back a cornerstone of New Zealand’s environmental conversation - the State of the Nation’s Environment Address, originally pioneered by Emeritus Professor Ian Spellerberg. This distinguished lecture series brings together leading voices to critically examine the health of our environment and the systems that shape its future.
This year’s keynote speaker is Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. His address will focus on gaps – things that we do not know about the state of our environment – and whether it matters. One of the leitmotifs during his tenure as the Commissioner has been the need for better environmental information.
Almost all of his reports have highlighted issues with environmental information in this country – be that incomplete coverage and limited accessibility or outright gaps – and called for improvement. High quality environmental information needs to be a key foundation for any policy or on-the-ground decisions.
19 November
6.00pm-8.00pm
S1, Stewart building, Lincoln University & virtual livestreaming
Programme:
6:00pm – 6:10pm | Guests arrive and are seated
6.10pm | Livestreamin begins
6.10pm | Opening and Welcome – Professor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor, Lincoln University
6.15pm | Acknowledgements - Prof. Roy Montgomery to address Event Series Founder, Ian Spellerberg
6:20pm – 7:15pm | Keynote Address
6.20pm | Keynote Simon Upton
7.00pm | Q&A
7.15pm | Closing remarks
7:15pm – 8:00pm | Refreshments
Join us for this renewed Lincoln University tradition as we look critically — and constructively — at the state of our environment and the challenges that lie ahead.
About Our Speaker
Simon Upton
Simon Upton was sworn in as Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment for a five-year term on 16 October 2017 and as reappointed for a second term in 2022. Mr Upton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a Rhodes Scholar, with degrees in English literature, music and law from the University of Auckland, and an MLitt in political philosophy from Oxford University. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council in 1999. A Member of Parliament between 1981 and 2000, Mr Upton held a variety of ministerial portfolios including environment, research, biosecurity, health and state services between 1990 and 1999. After leaving Parliament, Mr Upton moved to Paris to chair the Round Table on Sustainable Development at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2005, he returned to New Zealand to pursue a number of private sector roles while continuing to chair the Round Table. He returned to the OECD as Environment Director in 2010 and led the OECD’s contribution to the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. He returned to take up the role of Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment in 2017. As Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Upton provides the New Zealand House of Representatives with independent commentary on environmental legislation, policies and agencies. He has delivered major reports on biogenic greenhouse gas emissions and forestry offsets, the fate of chemical contaminants in the environment and the environmental impact of tourism amongst others. He has also reviewed the environmental reporting system, environmental research funding and the budget process, and delivered environmental expenditure estimates. He leads a multi-disciplinary team of analysts in Wellington. His office’s work programme and publications can be explored here.
Earlier in the day, we will also celebrate a major milestone: 50 years of Lincoln University’s Department of Environmental Management. Join us for a special symposium featuring alumni, staff, and students as we reflect on five decades of environmental leadership– and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that will define the next 50 years.
You are welcome to attend the full day or just the evening programme – just be sure to register separately for each session you would like to attend.
50 Years of Environmental Management Symposium
2:00pm – 5:30pm | S1, Stewart Building Lincoln University
Join us in celebrating 50 years since Lincoln University’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) was founded - a milestone that has shaped generations of environmental leaders, researchers, and practitioners.
This special symposium will honour the Department’s legacy and explore the future of environmental management in Aotearoa. The afternoon will feature alumni reflections, staff panels and forward-looking discussions on preparing the next generation for tomorrow’s environmental issues. The event will close with networking and reconnection among colleagues and friends.
Programme:
2:00pm – 5:30pm | Stewart Building, Lincoln University
2:00 pm | Opening and Welcome – Professor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor, Lincoln University
2:05 pm | Reflections – Emeritus Professor Geoff Kerr
2:15pm | DEM a potted history – Dr Roy Montgomery
2:45pm | Lincoln University Staff Panel – Perspectives on the Department’s legacy and current priorities
3.15pm | Open Discussion & Q&A – Alumni and guests share memories, influences, and future directions
3:30pm – 4:00pm | Afternoon Tea
4:00pm – 5.30pm | Distinguished Panel – The future of teaching environmental management: challenges and opportunities
5:30pm – 6:00pm | Networking & Reconnection – Celebrate 50 years of impact and reconnect with colleagues and friends
Help shape the conversation for the next 50 years of environmental thought leadership.
Distinguished Panel:
Craig Pauling
Craig Pauling (Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Irakehu, Waitaha) is a respected environmental leader and advocate for Indigenous knowledge in resource management and sustainability. With a background in environmental planning and Māori environmental management, Craig has worked across government, iwi, and community sectors to advance bicultural approaches to caring for land and water. He is passionate about weaving mātauranga Māori with contemporary science to create more resilient and connected communities.
Bronwyn Hayward
Professor Bronwyn Hayward MNZM is a leading political scientist at the University of Canterbury whose research focuses on sustainability, youth, and climate change. She is a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and an internationally recognised voice on democratic resilience and just transitions. Bronwyn’s work explores how citizens, particularly young people, can shape fair and effective responses to climate and environmental challenges.
Penny Nelson
Penny Nelson is the Director-General of the Department of Conservation (DOC), leading efforts to protect and restore Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. With a background in environmental policy and leadership across government and industry, Penny has held senior roles in the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Primary Industries. She is committed to fostering partnerships with iwi, communities, and businesses to achieve enduring conservation outcomes for people and nature.
Professor Hirini Matunga
Professor Hirini Matunga is Professor of Māori and Indigenous Planning at Lincoln University. A leading advocate for integrating Indigenous knowledge and values into planning and environmental management, his work focuses on Māori relationships with land, water, and place. He has contributed nationally and internationally to advancing Indigenous rights, bicultural planning, and sustainable development.
Panel Facilitator
Ken Hughey
Ken Hughey is an Emeritus Professor of Environmental Management at Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he served as Professor since 1995. His research spans freshwater ecology and management, the economics of conservation and endangered species, sustainable tourism, and the public perceptions of environmental issues. He also held a secondment as Chief Science Advisor at Department of Conservation (DOC), helping guide science‑based policy and departmental priorities for Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment.