Westpac Smarts: Building nature rich cities with Zealandia

At our next Westpac Smarts we will be looking at two major issues our world currently faces, climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The question arises: Can we take action to address these challenges? Wellington is an example of a place that is reversing the extinction of nature even in our most populated suburbs. It provides hope that we can reverse the losses we see in even our most altered environment.

We are excited to hear from Danielle Shanahan, Chief Executive of Zealandia. Danielle will draw upon Zealandia and Wellington as a case study, situated within a global context. She will discuss how individuals and businesses can contribute to the development of nature-rich cities in the future.

Format

• 12pm-12.30pm – Networking
• 12.30pm-1.15pm – Presentation
• 1.15pm-1.30pm- Open Q&A

Speaker bio - Danielle Shanahan

Dr Danielle Shanahan is Chief Executive at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, and Adjunct Professor at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Danielle is an internationally recognised researcher and conservation practitioner, having made significant advances in both generating on-ground outcomes for biodiversity but also quantifying the benefits of improvements in nature for people’s social, physical and mental wellbeing. Danielle led Zealandia’s restoration efforts for many years, and now has a keen interest in supporting individuals and businesses to look after the places where they live and work.