Interpretation New Zealand

Naumai

Is this a new beginning? The Department of Conservation has restructured and both the Director General and the Minister assure us it’s business as usual – all be it with a twist.

The Department will now develop partnerships with business as a way of generating revenue for conservation. Good in theory but what about the potential clash with sanctuary’s and other key iconic conservation projects that are chasing the same opportunities.

The Government’s current funding model in this area is contestable. Large community based projects are up against small locally driven initiatives for what is a small pot. The end result is that the small pot is diluted and so therefore are the conservation gains.

So where does that leave sanctuary’s? We contribute in a major way to the social, economic, environmental and spiritual wealth of New Zealand. One might argue that between the main 6-10 sanctuary’s, and other key iconic conservation projects, we offer the best hope for restoring what we have all lost.

As yet none of us generate enough revenue to be self sustainable. Until such time as we do we must rely on community support, volunteers and corporate sponsorship. All of these are in the same space the Department is moving too……..

If the Minister and the Department wish to choose another path which puts them in direct conflict with sanctuary’s survival both he, and they, may  leave a sad legacy.

New beginnings – lets wait and see…..

Ka kite ano

Malcolm

koru on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds