The Economic Value of Parks
"illuminating the economic value of New Zealand’s parks"
presented by
Wānanga Waitangi Summit 2025
"Managing Parks of Cultural Significance," will guide an inspiring programme of discussions, workshops, and learning experiences tailored to deepen our understanding of cultural stewardship in parks and conservation.
The Leadership Lens
🌿Insights from NZ Park Leaders 🌿Forum
Leadership Lens Episode 4
Check out Greg Moore
video below!
Share Ideas, Seek Advice
A forum to share problems and seek advice and support from experienced colleagues
Meetings that provide access to credible, timely, reliable and relevant information and advice on parks challenges and best practice in NZ and beyond.
3-4 Meetings per year
Address Parks Issues Together
An opportunity to shape advocacy on the sector’s behalf to address parks issues and raise awareness of the environmental, social and economic benefits parks provide
Introducing Penny Nelson...
The Parks Leaders Forum are delighted to announce the appointment of Department of Conservation Director General Penny Nelson as the new Patron of the organisation following previous patron Lou Sanson’s three-year term ending.
Parks Leaders Forum Board Advisor Michael Ayrton / Board Chair Roslyn Kerr said they would like to thank Lou for his time over the past three years and congratulate Penny on her appointment.
“The value of the Department of Conservation as our key national lead agency is critical to the ongoing success of the Parks Leaders Forum”, says Parks Leaders Forum Chair, Dr Roslyn Kerr, “and having Penny in the role as Patron is an honour for the group”. Former Board Chair and Board Advisor Michael Ayrton says, “We congratulate Penny on kindly accepting the appointment and look forward to her input and leadership in extending the value of our National, Regional and local parks to the wider community”.
Penny Nelson
Penny Nelson is delighted to be the new patron of the New Zealand Parks Leaders Forum.
Penny has been Director-General of the Department of Conservation since November 2021, the first woman to reach this significant Crown role. At DOC she oversees more than 2500 staff who are trusted to look after more than 14,000 native species of flora and fauna over 8 million hectares of land, 52 marine reserves and sanctuaries, and 220 large islands.
Prior to DOC, Penny was an influential senior leader across the public and private sector including the Ministry for the Environment, the Sustainable Business Council of New Zealand, Ministry of Social Development, Dairy NZ, and Manaaki Whenua / Landcare Research. She was also Deputy Director-General of Biosecurity for the Ministry for Primary Industries.
“I’m keen through this role to celebrate the importance of parks and the value and health benefits these green spaces bring for people,” Penny says.
“I also want to foster understanding that New Zealand’s natural areas and parks are a key driver of our economy. National parks and conservation areas are vital for protecting and enhancing nature, but they’re also important for regional economies that rely on the tourism opportunities.”
“There’s a huge opportunity to bring local government, businesses, and communities together to value and protect our parks.”
Penny holds a MSc (Hons) degree from Lincoln University, a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Otago and has completed the Prince of Wales‘s Business and Sustainability programme at the University of Cambridge.
Penny Nelson
DOC Director General
