11-13 August, Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
This year’s conference theme is Collective Action, Future Impact: Partnering for Resilient, Wilding-free Landscapes.
Registrations ARE NOW CLOSED for the 2026 Wilding Pines Conference – a partnership between the Wilding Pine Network and Biosecurity New Zealand.
Programme Overview
DAY 1 – Tue 11 August
07:15 to 16:30 – Presentations at Ascot Park Hotel
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided.
18:00 to 19:00 – Mid Dome 20 year celebration at Ascot Park Hotel
DAY 2 – Wed 12 August
08:00 to 16:00 – Field trips
All field trips include a packed lunch and transport.
Field trips will leave from and return to the Ascot Park Hotel.
18:30 to 22:00 – Conference dinner
Sit-down, buffet style dinner at Ascot Park Hotel with cash bar.
DAY 3 – Thu 13 August
08:00 to 13:30 – Presentations at Ascot Park Hotel
Morning tea and lunch are provided.
(Ticket sales now closed)
Bonus Stakeholder Workshop – 10th August
Adaptive pathways for wilding conifers
Are you involved in the management, operations, and control of wilding conifers? Your input can help the development of an innovative new tool for wilding conifer management.
Info for Speakers
Speakers must submit PowerPoint presentations by 3rd August to a Dropbox link which will be emailed to you. If you can’t make this work let Jo know jo@wildingpinenetwork.org.nz. Please get these to us well before the conference as it’s stressful getting talks at the last minute.
Info for Sponsors
An excellent opportunity to sponsor this conference and profile your organisation to a diverse group of stakeholders.
Accommodation
The Ascot Park Hotel has provided discounted rates. To access these please read the information below and contact Ascot directly. If you miss out or wish to stay elsewhere Ascot is located at the corner of Tay Street and Racecourse Rd. Other accommodation is close by.
Field Trip Options
There are 2 excellent field trips to choose from:
Field Trip 1
Takitimu’s & West Dome
A stunningly scenic bus ride takes in three unique Southland landscapes being impacted by Douglas fir. Hear about the joint community, farming and forestry efforts to slow the invasion: Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust restoration project, visit the Wilderness Reserve a pine bog community saved by the removal of shelterbelts but still under threat. Includes West Dome visit.
Field trip 2
Mid & West Dome
Take a short helicopter ride over Northern Southland. See and hear how after 20-years’ work by the Mid Dome Wilding Tree Charitable Trust and farmers, their victory against Contorta is being stolen by Douglas fir. Includes West Dome visit.
Please note:
- All field trip participants will be required to complete a Matariki Forests online HSE form prior to the conference starting. No form completed means you cannot participate. A link to enable this will be loaded shortly.
- WD’s will be limited to those organised by WPN.
- There will be convenience stops along the way.
- A Detailed run sheet and what you need to bring will be provided post booking
We would like to thank our sponsors:
Boffa Miskell
Boffa Miskell is a leading NZ environmental consultancy with offices around New Zealand. They undertake a diverse range of work in the fields of biosecurity and ecology. They manage several wilding contracts and are a long-standing supporter of the national wilding pine conference.
SPS Automation
SPS Automation is a leading-edge Christchurch-based research and development company specialising in tailored airborne and ground-based automated robotic systems. One of their main specialties is precision spot spraying of wilding pines using drone technology.
Wildlands
Wildlands provides specialist skills and project implementation in relation to ecology, biodiversity, ecological restoration and revegetation, survey and monitoring, assessments of ecological effects, environmental monitoring, indigenous flora and fauna, exotic pest plants and animals, and wetland restoration.
Tipping Point Wines
Iconic kiwi chef Al Brown’s wine range which celebrates New Zealand’s regions and supports several not-for-profit organisations, including our very own Wilding Free Mackenzie, with its delicious Pinot Noir varietal, ‘The Woodsman’. Al Brown actively uses his public profile to advocate in support of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme whenever he can.
Pure Oil New Zealand
Pure Oil provides a range of bio oils for cooking, animal nutrition and industry. This includes the collection of used cooking oil from customers for recycling into biofuel and other industrial applications, helping create a more circular local system. From growing and processing through to recovery and reuse, Pure Oil NZ delivers a uniquely local and highly sustainable oil solution for New Zealand industry. Adjuvant oils help wilding efforts because they are environmentally friendly and help uptake and improve herbicide efficacy for ground and aerial application.
Eradus Wines
Delicious wines from the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. Proud to be supporting the Wilding Pines Conference 2026.
Vera Spritz
Vera is a fresh take on fun low-alcohol wine spritz that keeps things light, lush, and effortlessly real. Inspired by the name Vera, meaning truth and authenticity, this drink is all about honest flavour and feel-good moments. Vera is made to be enjoyed your way. No pretense, just pure refreshment!
Environment Southland
Working with our communities to improve Southland’s environment.
Mid Dome Wilding Trees
The goal of the Mid Dome Wilding Trees Charitable Trust is to protect the ecological, economic, landscape and recreational values of over 100,000 ha of iconic southern high country pastoral and tussock grassland in northern Southland.
Bioeconomy Science Institute
Bringing together New Zealand’s four leading bioeconomy research institutes to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond.
Thyme Hill
We are a small family owned business, and the only Merlot growers in Central Otago.
Spray Equip
We are a specialist importer, supplier, and manufacturer of high-quality Spray Equipment for the Agricultural and Horticultural Industry. We understand our customers and the importance of being able to purchase top-quality equipment at a realistic price!