Policy Director at Toha Network | Climate Action at AUT | LinkedIn Top Green Voice | IPCC Contributing Author (AR6 WG2)
There’s been some fine tributes to Warren Parker on LinkedIn, which spoke of his wisdom and kindness. All true. I’ve been reflecting on another quality which impressed me, the way he was (how shall I put this?) quite demanding. I experienced this during my time on the Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group which he chaired, when I was on the sharp end of his inquiries a couple of times on issues of land use and climate change. It could be uncomfortable, but never unkind, nor unwelcome, because these are deeply serious issues. There is a lot at stake on issues of forestry and land use: people’s wellbeing, their livelihoods, the flourishing of communities and economies, our duties to the land, rivers and sea. These are fundamental questions for us as a country, not a place for frivolous thinking or poor decision making (even though that’s all too common). In that context, Warren was demanding because he gave these issues the gravity they deserved, and he made sure that others did too. If someone was evading an issue or being vague, he had this marvellous way of framing, then reframing, then re-reframing his point so that it couldn’t be avoided. In that way, he lifted everyone’s game. He encouraged critical thinking without being personalising or polarising - a skill we’re increasingly short of these days it seems. Warren was exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about land use in Aotearoa NZ and its implications for the economy. He clearly saw the potential for our land-based sectors to be even better than they are, especially in a context of increased environmental strain and new innovations in environmental monitoring, data use, circular bioeconomy, etc. In my experience, he contributed to driving all these things forward. That’s why his loss is really all of our loss. Thanks Warren.
Chair hailed as ‘a highly respected primary sector leader’.
Cathy Brown
9mo
So many more needed to add critical thinking to our industries.
Country Director - The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand
9moWhat an insightful tribute David. You're right - he was demanding - and it was and is necessary!