Film Screening, Panel Discussion and Q&A

DATE: 7th May, Tuesday 6-8pm

VENUE: Two/fiftyseven (Level 2, 57 Willis and 70 Victoria Streets, Wgtn)

Prof Catherine Iorns, Dr Mike Joy with film producers Geoff Reid, Tim Firkin, and Kevin Moran

The Unseen is a full-of-wonder film that is both educational and inspirational. It is the hope of both the filmmakers Geoff and Tim and Save Our Springs that it will contribute to the ongoing protection of Waikoropupu Springs which remain endangered because of the intensification of dairy farming in the recharge area of the aquifer that feeds them. The key to this contribution is the groundbreaking Te Waikoropupu Water Conservation Order that is already creating precedence in the legal world.

We also hope that it will contribute to the many campaigns that are being fought across the country to protect Aotearoa's precious waterways and aquifers.

We encourage discussion about ecological advocacy more widely in light of the environmental threats posed by the Fast-Track Approvals Bill.

Join us for an evening of discussion with:

Prof Catherine Iorns has more than 25 years' experience on indigenous rights, environmental law, international law and statutory interpretation, and has received several awards for her environmental law teaching and research. Her research and teaching interests and expertise are wide-ranging but her current focus is on environmental law and conservation.

Dr Mike Joy MSc, PhD (Ecology) is a Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer in Environmental Science at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Mike’s research includes ecological modelling, freshwater bioassessment, environmental policy, biophysical limits to growth and the role of energy in society.

Mike is an outspoken advocate for environmental protection in New Zealand and for this has received several awards including an Ecology in Action award from the NZ Ecological Society, the Charles Fleming Award for environmental achievement in 2013 and in 2023 the Callaghan Medal for science communication from the Royal Society of New Zealand. In 2015 he was awarded the Morgan Foundation inaugural River Voice Award and in 2017 the inaugural NZ Universities Critic and Conscience award.

Geoff Reid is an environmental advocate, photojournalist and content creator based in Aotearoa. He is passionate about ecosystem restoration and protection.

Timothy Firkin is an Aotearoa-born Māori documentary filmmaker, with over 15 years of expertise as a Producer/Director/DOP and Edit Specialist both domestically and internationally who has a strong commitment and vision to create purpose-driven stories, narratives that seek to preserve and highlight indigenous wisdom, knowledge, and contribute to positive social, environmental change.

His extensive portfolio includes directing, shooting, and editing two seasons of an international wildlife conservation television series in South America and Southeast Asia, and independently producing a feature documentary on the traditions of the Shipibo tribal group in the upper Amazon, Peru - among other noteworthy projects abroad.

On the domestic front, Timothy has independently produced several impactful environmental documentaries that have not only toured the nation but have also yielded substantial and measurable positive outcomes for the natural world. His collaborative efforts as a DOP, video editor extend to crafting local indigenous content for reputable shows such as Waka Huia, Te Hokinga Mai, AKE AKE AKE, Stolen Lands, The Hui, Marae DIY, and various Whakaata Māori productions. He has also made significant contributions to notable films like the award winning documentary feature "Whetū Mārama -Bright Star", and provided valuable material for esteemed art installations, including Lisa Reihana's permanent exhibition, "Ihi", at the Aotea Centre in Auckland.

Timothy Firkin's passion for visual storytelling is underscored by his belief in its unparalleled capacity to reflect and explore the incredible breadth, diversity of the human experience.

Kevin Fiadh Moran, an activist and shamanic poet, has coordinated the Save Our Springs (SOS) Campaign since 2017. During this time SOS has advocated strongly for the protection of Te Waikoropupū Springs, through rallies, a two-month North Island hikoi, three petitions, social media campaigns and involvement in the Environment Court hearing. During the hearing, Kevin gave pioneering evidence that the springs have outstanding spiritual characteristics for Tauiwi (non-Maori) This precedent-creating evidence was accepted by the Court.

Kevin’s six books are available from his website www.poetshaman.co.nz Two of the books; ‘Water Protectors: The Story of the Campaign to Save Te Waikoropupū Springs’ and ‘Upwellings: The Outstanding Spiritual Qualities of Te Waikoropupū Springs’ tell the story of the battle to protect Aotearoa’s purest waters. As a green man and a poet shaman Kevin has received thousands of wisdom sayings on the edge of sleep. These ‘Sayings of Humanity’ rise directly from the Natural World and speak to humanity's greatest needs during these increasingly perilous times. ‘Sayings’ are sprinkled liberally throughout Kevin’s books.

A copy of Kevin's book 'Upwellings' will be available at this event.

'A poet and activist dedicated to save the sacred, scenic, Te Waikoropupu Springs, Kevin Fiadh Moran has again created a stirring collection to inspire campaigners and protect the environment. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read work that soothes the soul and inspires action to save the planet.' -Saige Vendrome England, poet, human rights journalist and author of The Season Wife.