Forest & Bird Annual Report 2015

In 2014/15 Forest & Bird achieved some notable success advocating for and protecting our natural environment and also took important steps to strengthen and focus the organisation to address the conservation priorities of the 21st century.

Partnerships between national office and branches were an important feature of our work in 2014/15. In the Auckland region branches and national office developed a major submission on the Auckland Unitary Plan, and supported the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan process. In Hawke’s Bay, local branches, national office and our allies from the Environmental Defence Society and Fish & Game achieved notable success in ensuring enforceable water quality standards have been set for new irrigation projects, a decision that has national implications.

Partnerships within the Society, and with our supporters and allies are an important part of our future direction. Working together we are able to leverage the passion and local knowledge of branches with the legal, technical, marketing and financial resources of national office to achieve significant outcomes to protect natural values.

Elsewhere we supported initiatives that will help protect our natural heritage, such as Predator Free New Zealand and the Department of Conservation’s Battle for the Birds. After many years of advocacy it is pleasing to at last see significant extensions of pest control across public conservation land, although a faster and larger expansion would be ideal.

Within the national organisation significant changes were made to focus the professional structure on growing our income, effectiveness, influence and support for branches. Consultation and development of a revised strategic plan was undertaken to develop a road map to focus our energies where they are most needed and ensure the best outcome for nature and New Zealand in the 21st century.

Achieving positive financial outcomes remains a priority of the Board and management. After some years of constraint a strong financial outcome in 2014/15 allowed the Society to recruit staff in key areas to help us achieve our goals and better support branches in the work they do in their communities.

Working and advocating for nature at both the national and local level is what makes Forest & Bird unique in New Zealand. Our success is due to the commitment of members, dedicated staff, our supporters and the Board, all of whom share a vision of a New Zealand where nature is respected and protected as the source of our unique identity, our wellbeing and our prosperity, as well as for its own intrinsic value.

We can face the future with confidence and a clear vision of what we need to do. New Zealand is and will continue to be a better place because of Forest & Bird.