Co-creating The Future - TNS NZ's mini-summit 2010

This year The Natural Step NZ is hosting a free mini-summit with a series of punchy TED-style presentations from leaders in the business, government and tertiary education sectors.  The event takes place at the Auckland Viaduct's Floating Pavillion venue on 29th November 2010, 2pm - 5pm with drinks and networking to follow.  TNS NZ's Executive Director Simon Harvey is excited about the calibre of presenters the event has attracted and warmly encourages anyone with a working interest in sustainable practice to come along.

Presentations include:

• the latest Colmar Brunton Better Business; Better World consumer research data outlined by the firm's GM, Jacqueline Ireland, to set the context

• a video interview on sustainability and the financial sector with Charles Anderson, CEO of Sovereign - NZ's largest life insurer

• Gerry Oates of UK firm Comparison International on how its PROBE for Sustainable Business programme is merging business excellence benchmarking with genuine sustainable performance

• Jerome Partington of Jasmax, Auckland's leading architectural practice and winner of SBN's northern region Trailblazer award, talking about the integration of sustainable practice into major construction projects

• Dr Maggie Lawton, Manager of Strategy and Policy at Manukau City Council talking about the innovative Towards 2060 Design the Future community engagement project

• Steve Henry, Manager of Otago Polytechnic's Centre for Sustainable Practice, on the first-of-its-kind graduate diploma in sustainable practice.  A web-supported distance learning graduate diploma that uses your work projects to complete the course assignments.

"The event aims to give people a snapshot of real success stories about transformative change, where sustainable practice has been woven in at a strategic level to deliver good results for the planet, people and profits.  It's about showing how it can be done, encouraging and motivating others to be bold and transform in readiness for a changing future."

Simon is quick to add that the event is as much about inspiring conversation and connections, as it is about learning from the experience of others.  "This is an awesome opportunity to learn, and hear some wonderful speakers.  We want to inspire some exciting conversations about what's possible; and about what can be done to accelerate change and collaborate to create a stronger economy and a more prosperous future for our communities.

Registration details will be announced shortly, and places will be limited.  "Thanks to some generous sponsorship from North Shore City Council, Sovereign and Cawthron Institute we're able to offer this opportunity as a complimentary event," explains Simon.  "It's so wonderful to see strong support for TNS NZ in it's efforts to get these inspiring stories out there."

Contact Simon for further details at natstep@naturalstep.org.nz.