NZ National Parks and Conservation Foundation

History

 

The New Zealand National Parks and Conservation Foundation was founded in 2000 by former Minister of Conservation, the Hon Denis Marshall QSO.

The key driver was the recognition that New Zealand's conservation estate could benefit from a nation-wide fundraising organisation that worked to enable and challenge companies, individuals and visitors to contribute to conservation projects. Conservation fundraising had never before been seen as a specialised task in itself and at that time the Department of Conservation, while able to accommodate a few large sponsors, did not have the resource nor was mandated, to pursue private sector funding.

In 2000 the timing was right. Other major business influences such as Business for Social Responsibility and triple bottom line reporting was taking hold. As social causes rallied into position the need for conservation causes to come to the fore was critical.

A major launch at the Beehive for the New Zealand National Parks and Conservation was attended by the Prime Minister, numerous dignitaries, media and interested parties. The launch reinforced the purpose and determination of the Foundation.

"I believe the foundation will contribute strongly to both conservation outcomes and community involvement in the outdoors. I am very pleased that the Department of Conservation has the opportunity to be involved with the foundation from its beginnings. The expertise and knowledge of the trustees in the conservation, political and business environments will ensure the Foundation is seen as a credible and important asset to conservation in New Zealand."

Photo courtesy of Milford Track

Hugh Logan
Director- general
Department of Conservation

 

 

Founding sponsors who remain with us today include Transpower, Fujitsu, Milford Track Guided Walk. Each of these companies makes a generous donation to both the running of the Foundation and the private endowment fund.