Conference Day Two Workshops

Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn

A well-educated citizenry throughout life is vital for effective design and successful implementation of human rights-compliant climate crisis mitigation and adaptation action. Where are the weaknesses and gaps, and how do we make education fit for purpose?

Catherine (Te Rarawa and Ngāti Kurī) is a long-time Indigenous human rights and environmental advocate, having worked both domestically and internationally.
catherinedavis@hotmail.co.nz, LinkedIn, Background on Catherine (E-Tangata interview, 9 July 2023).

Nancy Rishworth

Nancy has more than 30 years’ experience as a personal trainer, group fitness leader, and naturopath. Now in her sixties, she has a lifetime of experience to draw on and knows first-hand what it takes to remain in good shape. Her passion is helping others to be vibrantly fit and healthy so they can fully enjoy life.

Our current methods of growing, processing, and distributing food are detrimental both to our well-being and the environment. Enormous sums are invested in destructive agricultural practices, while households spend significant amounts on food that can be considered harmful. Considering the substantial financial investment required to address climate change and repair the damage we have caused, it is crucial to explore alternative approaches that promote both human health and environmental sustainability. By doing so, we can allocate resources towards healing and improving the well-being of both ourselves and the climate.

Cèzanne Hamilton

Cèzanne is a passionate environmentalist. She studied environmental science and geography and has a background in environmental monitoring work. She now specialises in waste minimisation education and spends her time educating the youth in Whangārei about how we can better look after Papatūānuku.

Cèzanne will guide people through the new CBEC EcoSolutions hub a short walk from Forum North. The hub provides the community with a place to promote sustainability. You will also get to see the compost facility.

Glenn Edney

Glenn is an ocean ecologist, current PhD candidate and trustee of the Te Wairua ō te Moana Ocean Spirit Trust. This workshop will explore ways to regenerate coastal and marine ecosystems.

Workshop slides.

Ross Smith (Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu and Ngāpuhi) is a strong advocate of te reo me ōna tikanga (Māori language and culture). In addition to his roles as Pathway Manager, Te Hāpai Ara (Cultural Capability Team) member, and te reo Māori tutor at Northtec/ Te Pūkenga Tai Tokerau Wānanga, he is also a dedicated practitioner of Te Rākau A Tū A Rongo. Ross has a Masters of Applied Indigenous Knowledge and a PhD with Te Whare Tū Taua o Aotearoa.

For more about Ross:

• Webinar, “Hinekeira – Lessons of the Goddesses” (2022) 
• Waka Huia Episode – Ross Smith (2021)
• NZ Herald, “Northland te reo speakers say language not a just passion, but a responsibility” (2020)

Jack Keeys

Jack is the Director for Implementation for the Mana Kai and Agri Adaptation Roadmap workstreams at The Aotearoa Circle. This workshop can explore how the Mana Kai Initiative can be implemented in Te Tai Tokerau.

Link to workshop slides.

Insa Errey

Insa Errey is from EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority). She is passionate about driving business sustainability through effective change management. Technical skills include Biogas implementation and optimisation; waste water treatment and industrial process heat specialist.

Businesses across New Zealand are taking action to reduce the climate impact of the industry and future-proof themselves against a shifting operating environment and customer preferences.

EECA’s Sector Decarbonisation Pathway means businesses in New Zealand can now access best practise guidance and expert advice to help them on their emissions reduction journey. The pathway offers tools and resources that have been newly developed alongside industry experts, with collaboration in mind.

You’ll be guided along 5 key steps to improve your energy efficiency and reduce your energy-related emissions, which will both benefit your business and provide you with insights on how and where to start in your decarbonisation journey.

Scott McKenzie

Scott was raised in Mangakahia. He is an award-winning architect for social housing and civic projects across Aotearoa and in London and a Whangārei District Councillor. This walking tour will explore possibilities to cool down the city in the Summer.

Peter Bruce-Iri

This workshop will explore how regenerative agricultural practices can generate environmental, social, and economic benefits at the farm, industry, and regional levels. What do we need to do, and who do we need to be talking with to get there?

Workshop notes.

Debbie O’Byrne

Debbie is the co-founder of Planet Price and has extensive experience in circular economy consulting work for a range of government departments, private companies, and NGOs in Asia-Pacific and beyond. 

Link to workshop slides.

Natalie is the NRC’s Zero Carbon Transition Advisor. Her background is as a Scheduler, Engineer, and Analyst, overseeing operational and supply chain functions within the energy sector.  In a little over a year at the NRC she has developed strong networks to advance the region’s carbon transition.
This workshop will explore two key domains for achieving this – communication and education. What sort of events can we stage to build richer connections, especially for our young people? How can the arts be involved?