Join us in a unique public dialogue with Megan Schuknecht, Director of University Education and Relations at the Biomimicry Institute in the USA, supported by colleague Sam Stier, Director of Public Education and Conservation and a diverse and dynamic panel of young New Zealand professionals.

Topic:
Growing a rich, sustainable future for our grandchildren using nature and its long proven processes as our design mentor .

When:
Thursday 8th Dec 2011 7:00-9:00 pm. Informal follow on till 10pm

Where:
University of Auckland, Owen Glen Building, Room OGGB4
12 Grafton Road, Auckland

RSVP:
This is a large venue so individual bookings are not required,
Please check this page for later messages prior to the event.
For any other questions call Peter at 09 4454454

Cost:
A gold coin koha will be appreciated to help progresss this

Who should attend:

Open to people of all ages and disciplines, with an interest in ecosystems, science, innovation, design, engineering, business, the environment, education, sustainability and systems thinking.

Objective of the Forum:

To draw public attention to Biomimicry as a way New Zealand can grow smarter
To celebrate and support local students and young professional potential
To encourage our schools and universities to exploit cross disciplinary learning
To recognise that Aotearoa has a wealth of natural wisdom to draw on and share
To assist designers, architects, engineers and educators grow alliances with biologists
To open the way for a supportive Biomimicry learning/sharing network to emerge
To enhance opportunities for New Zealand as an international role model; nurturing life

The Youth Panel:

Forum Facilitator:

Michael Steedman. Ngati Whatua, is Kaiarahi at University of Auckland responsible for recruitment , support and development of Maori and Polynesian students in the Faculty of Science. He will welcome and introduce our visitors and facilitate the dialogue session with the panel and audience.

Panel members:

• Cameron Kelso - a student from Remuera Intermediate previously St Thomas's Primary where he was a "Green Ranger". Both these schools are Enviroschools
• Renee Johansen - a post graduate student in The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland with a PhD planned next year around root fungi.
• Andrew Lo - a researcher in the Biomimetics Laboratory, Auckland Bio-engineering Institute at the , University of Auckland.
• Afra Abdeen - student of Arts and Business at Auckland University of Technology majoring in psychology and marketing; president of the SIFE AUT ( "A head for business. A heart for the world")
• Chris Jack - A Transport design honours major from the Massey University School of Design who has been concentrating on biomimicry and design
  
  

Deeper Biomimicry Opportunities at Conbio:

A one day Short Courses will run on Sunday 4th December details here
This opportunity costs just $30 for participants enrolled for the full conference, or otherwise NZ$180 for SCB members and NZ$250 for others. Enroll prior to 1st December here

"This workshop is focused on the connection between biomimicry and communicating with the public about conservation, so it is new material that takes biomimicry beyond the design process and into cultural and community action implications" - Sam Stier - presenter

Our Network

This forum is the result of a diverse range of organisations working together as a "Living Systems Thinking" network, each levering on each others strengths and recognising that the whole can be much greater than the sum of its parts.

• The Biomimicry Institute - with Megan Schuknecht and Sam Steir freely sharing their knowledge
• The International Congress for Conservation Biology team led by Jim Briskie -adding this to their program
• The University of Auckland, School of Biological Science via Bruce Burns - venue and promotion.
• The Auckland University of Technology promoted via Kate Kearins, in Business School and beyond
• The Unitec School of Architecture and Design coordinated via Rau Hoskins
• Nga Pae o te Marangatanga - Dan Hikuroa promoting via the national network of Maori researchers
• Engineers without Borders - Auckland Chapter - assisting with promotion in Engineering area
• Enviroschools - Heidi Marden - using their networks to get the opportunity in front of schools
• SCANZ Intercreate -Trudy Lane promoting via networks
• The Sustainable Business Network - James Griffin getting information to members and beyond
• The NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development - Graeme Colman getting info out to members
• Institution of Professional Engineers NZ (Auckland) - Michelle Bound to add to newsletter
• Future in Tech - An IPENZ led program inspiring a passion for science and engineering
• ETITO Brightsparks - Ross Petersen and the Brightsparks school technology / innovation forum
• Sustainability Matters - newsletter published by Ray Skinner including an accounting theme
• Leadership New Zealand - Julie Courtnell is promoting this via their newsletter to network
• AnewNZ Network - promotion coordinated by Dave Breur
• Feed me Right - Dee Pigneguy circulating to her network in schools and community gardens
• GreenplanetFM - Green community radio with Tim Lynch
• The Kaitiakitanga Network - facilitating inter-connections and promotion of www.biomimicry.org.nz site
• Auckland Council - Susan Quinn, Sponsorship and Events Coordinator is helping share this event
• Better by Design team, NZ Trade and Enterprise - Judith Thompson helping draw attention to this event

Past Network Activity and Resources

Similar Youth Forums that have been run as networks and share resources are:

" Biomimicry - Where Evolution Meets Innovation" with Norbert Hoeller
"Cradle to Cradle Design" with Michael Braungart
"Moa's Ark Revisited" with David Bellamy
"Growing a Well Future for all our Grandchildrens" with Hunter Lovins

 

Note: The URL www.biomimicry.org.nz used to access this page is being held to support a future NZ support network that might form around Biomimicry