Media Release

Natural capitalism: leading American advocate
to give free lecture in NZ
Wednesday, 25 February 2004

Hunter Lovins, a leading American advocate of sustainable development for over 25 years, and world renowned leader in sustainability and business issues, will be in Christchurch to give the Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) 2004 Newnham lecture.

The Newnham Lecture, which is open to the public, will be given on Wednesday, 24 March 2004, at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Christchurch at 7.00 pm. The following day, she will give the key note address at the opening session of the IPENZ Convention.

Lovins’, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, an environmental think tank, and more recently, Director of the Natural Capitalism Group, calls her approach natural capitalism because it's based on the principle that business can be good for the environment. She will discuss how leading-edge companies are practicing "a new type of industrialism" that is more efficient and profitable, while saving the environment and creating jobs. She also believes companies that pursue well-designed sustainability initiatives achieve increased profitability and greater competitive advantage in their industries.

Lovins also consults for public-policy makers and capitalists internationally. She works on a wide range of issues linking energy, the environment, development, and security, and has co-authored many books including the successful Natural Capitalism. Lovins’ has been the recipient of numerous awards including Time Magazine "Hero for the Planet”. She shared a 1982 Mitchell Prize, a 1983 Right Livelihood Award ("alternative Nobel Prize"), the Nissan Prize at ISATA, and the Onassis Foundation's first Delphi Prize, one of the world's top environmental awards.

Past Newnham speakers have been Sir Edmund Hillary and Sir William Pickering.

ENDS
Notes to journalists
The Newnham lecture series is given annually on the first day of IPENZ’s annual conference. It is an opportunity to illustrate to the public the contribution engineers make to society – and a forum for engineers to raise professional issues.

The 2004 IPENZ Convention’s theme is: “Engineering for New Zealand’s future”.

For further information on Hunter Lovins visit, arranging media interviews and the IPENZ Convention contact:

John Gardiner
Deputy Chief Executive
IPENZ ENGINEERS NEW ZEALAND
Ph (04) 474 8932
Mob: 021 439 513
jgardiner@ipenz.org.nz

ENDS

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For further information contact:
Gerry Te Kapa Coates (President IPENZ 2003-04)
Ph: 04 560 4356 (DDI)
Mobile: 021 355 099
E-mail: gerry@isp.co.nz