Common ground – Forest & Bird and Pāmu announce new collaboration
New Zealand’s largest conservation organisation and largest farming group have agreed to work together to promote best
environmental practice in New Zealand’s farming sector.
Forest & Bird and Pāmu - Landcorp have agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on researching,
implementing, and promoting agricultural practices that protect the natural world.
“Forest & Bird is New Zealand’s largest independent conservation organisation, and Pāmu is New Zealand’s largest farmer. It makes
sense for these two influential organisations to collaborate on one of the country’s biggest challenges – how to reverse
the crisis facing New Zealand’s unique natural environment,” says Forest & Bird Chief Executive Kevin Hague.
“Forest & Bird has advocated for many years for innovative farming systems that protect and enhance biodiversity and the natural
world. The agriculture industry has an immense influence over New Zealand’s natural environment, and a responsibility to
protect and enhance the common resources of biodiversity, water quality, soil integrity, and climate stability.
“Forest & Bird and Pāmu are the leading organisations in their respective sectors, and we’re excited by the opportunity to share
knowledge and expertise, towards a shared goal of restoring New Zealand’s unique natural environment,” says Mr Hague.
Pamu Chief Executive Steven Carden said Pāmu was committed to environmental stewardship in a meaningful way, and the MOU
with Forest & Bird forms an important part of that commitment.
“As an industry we need to move beyond words, to actions. At Pāmu we have been doing this. For example, we ended use of
PKE on our farms, formed an Environmental Reference Group to help us become better environmental stewards, fenced
waterway and initiated extensive riparian planting.
“We recognise there is more we need to do as we face challenges like climate change and a fundamental rethink of the
agricultural sectors relationship with the natural capital of New Zealand,” says Mr Carden.
“Forest & Bird and Pāmu have similar values, focused on an interest in protecting our world for the benefit of future
generations.
At Pāmu we want to ensure we are truly embracing our aspiration to be great environmental stewards in way that works for
the sustainability of our business. Having Forest & Bird alongside us will be hugely beneficial,” Mr Carden said.
Both Chief Executives say that Forest & Bird and Pāmu are excited to bring together their complementary interests, and are looking forward to working together
to achieve better outcomes for New Zealand’s native species, water, climate, and people.
The MOU between the organisations agrees to work together focussing on:
• Advocacy for nature in agricultural landscapes
• Climate resilient farming systems
• Understanding regenerative agriculture
• Restorative partnerships focusing on biodiversity, water, and soil
• Endangered species identification, protection and enhancement
• Integrated landscape planning
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