Over 200 people joined scientists and experts at the inaugural kauri dieback symposium on Saturday 30th November.
Following the welcome and blessing by Ngati Whatua o Orakei representatives, the event was formally opened by Dr Paul Hutchison MP for Hunua who set the tone for the day by saying, "The Minister of Primary Industries, Hon Nathan Guy, is eagerly anticipating receiving the business case for the next 10 year programme very soon. I am sure that, provided that the business case is robust and defendable, that the government will play its part in assisting councils and the Department of Conservation in funding and implementing another successful Joint Agency long term kauri dieback management programme."
It was a full day with thirteen speakers each sharing their unique angle on the disease issue. Session one speakers gave an introduction to the issue, with the following three sessions covering: What's happening now?; Where to from here?; And, Spreading the word. Each session was followed by an excellent question and answer time that could only be wrapped up by the lure of food and drink.
Having representatives from the scientific community, tangata whenua, community groups and the general public made for interesting and informative discussions both in the lecture theatre and informally during the breaks, and although we can often perceive insurmountable odds against this disease, a feeling of positivity and momentum was created during the event. The following day approximately 20 people joined experts on a field trip to Albany Scenic Reserve, one of Auckland's worst hit kauri dieback sites. Feedback from both days has been very positive, with participants and speakers already looking forward with anticipation to next year's event. Roll on Symposium 2014!