Getting people together
2012 Coastal Restoration Trust Conference in Taipa, Northland
Pingao raranga - weaving workshop, Taipa 2012
Each year the Coastal Restoration Trust runs an annual conference to bring together people’s knowledge, experiences, up-to-date research and visions for coastal restoration.
Conferences can be run in collaboration with local and/or regional councils, iwi, Department of Conservation and Coast Care communities. We provide opportunities for local groups to benefit from the conference - for example pay them for providing catering, supplying venues and activities. There is also plenty of opportunity for local businesses and organisations from around the country to sponsor the event and be involved.
The format includes some lecture style talks, a 
Taipa Beach Improvement Society hosted the event with Taipa Area School and the Northland Regional Council.‘regional round-up’ where the floor is open for anyone to give a short “pecha kucha” or poster style presentation on their project, practical workshops (e.g. seed collection, pest control), fieldtrips and plenty of time for discussion.
Delegates each year include research scientists, staff from Councils and the Department of Conservation, iwi representatives, local businesses, Coast Care group members, students and individuals from all around the country with a passion for our coastal environment.
We’ve decided to take a different approach to the 2026 conference – and instead offer some regionally-focused events such as workshop-type mini conferences, bus “stop” trips bringing local practitioners together, and an online event/technical webinar. Then we’ll return to a full conference again in 2027. We’re currently looking at options to hold the next conference in the Christchurch area, so watch out for updates.
We’d love to hear if your organisation, council or Coast Care group would like to host a regional event. Please email us at: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] and do let us know if you have any great ideas.