The return of the State of the Nation’s Environment Address with Hon. Simon Upton
Lincoln University is proud to announce the return of the State of the Nation’s Environment Address - a distinguished lecture series originally pioneered by Emeritus Professor Ian Spellerberg. This landmark event invites leading voices to critically assess the health of New Zealand’s environment and the systems designed to protect it.
This year, Hon. Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, will deliver the keynote address, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the state of our environment and the future of environmental regulation in Aotearoa.
Earlier in the day, we will also mark the 50th anniversary of Lincoln University’s Department of Environmental Management with a symposium featuring alumni, staff, and students. The symposium will reflect on five decades of environmental management in New Zealand, while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities that will define the next 50 years.
Registrations will open soon. Guests will need to register for each session separately and are welcome to attend the full day or just the evening programme.
Programme Overview
50 Years of Environmental Management Symposium
Stewart Lecture Theatre, Lincoln University
2:00pm – 5:30pm
Mihi whakatau and welcome
Reflections from alumni and staff panels
Afternoon tea & networking
Discussion on the future of teaching and practice in environmental management
State of the Nation’s Environment Address
Stewart Lecture Theatre, Lincoln University
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Opening
Welcome from the Vice Chancellor and acknowledgement of the 50-year legacy
Keynote address by Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, followed by audience Q&A
About Our Speaker
Rt Hon 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, environmental information and expenditure, the fate of chemical contaminants in the environment and the environmental impact of tourism amongst others. He leads a multi-disciplinary team of analysts in Wellington. His office’s work programme and publications can be explored here.
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