Taking place 12–14 May, this year’s conference, Dollars & Sense: Making the Economy Work for Nature, comes at a time when the coalition government is advancing major reforms aimed at reducing regulatory hurdles in the name of economic development.

Over three days, the summit will explore how environmental and economic priorities can be brought into alignment, rather than being seen in conflict. Key themes include the health of New Zealand’s oceans, rethinking rural and urban land use, the intersection of conservation and economic policy, and the evolving role of Māori in shaping a green economy.

Attendees will hear from scientists, economists, iwi leaders, policy experts and politicians as they debate how we can improve economic welfare while not harming the environment.

Day 1: Oceans Symposium

The 2025 summit includes a full day dedicated to the health of Aotearoa’s oceans. Sessions throughout the day will examine the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, the relationship between fisheries management and marine protection, and the potential for a regenerative blue economy. The day concludes with a discussion about whether a national Oceans Commission is needed to provide greater coordination and leadership for ocean governance in New Zealand.

The Oceans Symposium begins with a keynote address from Salvatore Aricò, CEO of the International Science Council and a leading voice in marine policy.

All eyes are likely to be on the second session of the day, when EDS chief executive Gary Taylor puts the hard questions to Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones around the government’s current policy settings and direction for ocean governance.

The final session of the day will explore the idea of establishing an Oceans Commission, alongside a new Oceans Act and National Oceans Strategy. 

Day 2: Greening the economy and land use

The second day of the conference turns its focus to land-based systems and the wider economy. It will explore how global pressures such as climate change and shifting trade dynamics are affecting environmental policy, and consider how domestic levers – from financial tools to land use incentives – can support a transition to a greener economy. 

The day will feature a session led by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton, and will explore the economic drivers behind different land uses and how these can be shifted to support better environmental outcomes. 

The final session of the day is a political debate centred on how the natural environment can power New Zealand’s economy. The panel will include Rachel Brooking from the Labour Party, Simon Court from ACT, Grant McCallum from the National Party, and Chlöe Swarbrick from the Green Party. NZ First and Te Pāti Māori have also been invited to participate.

Day 3: Urban futures, energy and reform

The final day of the summit examines the future of urban development, energy transition, and environmental law reform. It also includes political updates on conservation and resource management, and a closing session on regenerative tourism that explores the economic value of nature-based tourism.

Day three includes a session that examines New Zealand’s energy transition, with opening remarks from Rod Carr, who will consider whether an energy strategy can fast-track renewable development while protecting environmental values.

The rest of the day looks at the government’s resource management reforms, and the future of conservation management in New Zealand featuring Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka.

The final session of the summit will focus on regenerative tourism and how the value of nature can be leveraged for economic and environmental benefit.