OBITUARY: Les Hutchins OBE, Patron Les Hutchins was one of New Zealand's great pioneers. By introducing the grandeur of Fiordland and Doubtful Sound to international visitors he brought clarity and vision to a fledgling tourism industry. Les worked tirelessly to build up his business which, 46 years later, now remains one of New Zealand's leading tourism operations. Les was deeply passionate about maintaining the link between conservation and tourism. The endowment fund which is managed by the Foundation was pledged by Les Hutchins and has not been matched by any other New Zealander or businessperson. Our country is one that Les Hutchins proudly committed time, energy and wisdom to preserve for the enjoyment of all.

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 dignatories, 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.

"Our Foundation is making a difference and we will continue to drive home the threat of numerous extinctions," says executive director Jane Arnott . Either we, as New Zealanders, marketers and business people, put aside our complacency or future generations will not know the country, the National Parks and the wildlife that we know today.

"New Zealand, in the grand scheme of things, is a remote island. We have the potential to reverse the trend that leads to barren and silent forests. There are tough decisions to make if we choose to protect our endemic species. Predator control and restoration of habitat will mean significant interventions in the ecosystems that currently abound,".

It will be worth it.