Public Conservation Lands Research Symposium, November 8 - 9, 2011
University of Otago

Public Conservation Lands 2040

What relationships between nature and people should we foster in Aotearoa New Zealand? What is the imaginative potential of our public conservation lands?

Symposium Aims

• Bring together leading thinkers and researchers, and share current research related to this theme
• Identify a range of potential futures for our public conservation lands
• Explore the potential for research collaboration and joint funding bids, and foster a shared research network on this theme
• Identify industry partners and government agencies that could benefit/add focus to current and prospective work
• Celebrate the launch of the book ‘Wild Heart: the Possibility of Wilderness in Aotearoa New Zealand’

Keynote Speakers

Dr Jan Wright will be giving the evening keynote address. In her role as the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Wright has recently reported on the role of mining and 1080 use in our public conservation lands. She is currently examining the role and value of tourism in New Zealand’s public conservation lands. Other Keynote speakers will be announced closer to the symposium.

• Whole Symposium Programme with Book Flier (PDF)

Registration Costs

• $90.00 for researchers and those in affiliated fields
• $55.00 for post-graduate students

Secure online registration (Credit card, cheque or internet banking)

Registration includes lunches, morning, afternoon teas, book launch event, and a printed copy of symposium papers to be published immediately after the conference (Dec 2011).

Invitation to Present Current Research

We invite submissions from researchers and post-graduates that either

• outline current research projects and directions, and provisional findings and outcomes
• or provide prospective visions for the future

We are currently accepting brief abstracts for consideration (250 words). Should your abstract be accepted you will be invited to present at the symposium (15 minutes) and also prepare a short working paper (2-3 pages) to be included in the subsequent publication of symposium papers (Dec 2011). There will also be an opportunity to present research posters. Email abstracts and inquiries to:
mick.abbott@otago.ac.nz or mike.boyes@otago.ac.nz

1. Abstracts
These should be no more than 250 words and include the author’s affiliation and contact details. Abstracts are reviewed as they are received with notifications given within 10 days.

2. Working Papers
These provide further detail of your current research or prospective visions, and should be no more than 2-3 pages. Drafts for circulation at the symposium are due 26 October, with presenters having the opportunity to review these after the symposium, prior to publication.

Timeline

• 15 August - Registrations and acceptance of abstracts begin
• 30 September - Abstract submission closes
• 10 October - Latest date for notification of acceptance of abstracts
• 26 October - Draft working papers due (for distribution at the conference)
• 2 December - Final papers due for inclusion in symposium proceedings
• 16 December - Symposium proceedings publication date

• Abstracts from the Symposium (PDF)

Book Launch

The symposium includes the launch of Wild Heart: the Possibility of Wilderness in Aotearoa New Zealand. This anthology of essays is published by Otago University Press and has been co-edited by Mick Abbott and Richard Reeve and includes contributions by Alison Ballance, Shaun Barnett, James Beattie, Mike Boyes, Tom Brooking, Stephen Espiner, Gerard Hindmarsh, Julian Kuzma, Robin McNeill, Cilla McQueen, Les Molloy, Harvey Perkins, Kerry Popplewell, Jacinta Ruru, Geoff Spearpoint, Brian Turner, Philippa Wells, Jonathan West, Kerry Wray, Mick Abbott and Richard Reeve.

Exhibition of New iApps and Interpretation

Working with the Department of Conservation researchers, staff and students at the University of Otago’s Department of Applied Sciences have been developing new iApps and interpretation for trialling at Arthur’s Pass National Park from Nov 2011 – Feb 2012. These will be on display for evaluation, just prior to being taken to Arthur’s Pass.

Thanks to:

• University of Otago’s Centre for Research in National Identity
• Department of Conservation
• Otago University Press