Forum a great success, survey reveals

The PCE20 Forum was a great success, according to a post-forum email survey. All 280 forum participants were sent the survey, and 73 (26%) responded.

When asked if the event overall provided value for money, 97% replied either 'definitely' or 'yes, in the main'. Eighty-nine percent found the forum either 'totally relevant' or 'very relevant' to their work.

Its format, which featured panel debates rather than formal presentations, also gained high praise. Seventy percent rated it 'excellent', while another 25% rated it 'good'.

Radio New Zealand's participation earned a big tick. As forum partner, RNZ recorded five of the debates which were broadcast in June 2007. In general comments, respondents said they hoped the forum would be the springboard for a broader push to a sustainable New Zealand. As one said:

"This was a thought-provoking two days with some superb local and international speakers, a very good format, and stimulating discussion. 'Where-to-now?' is the important question..."

Q 1: How would you rate the panel format used at the forum?

	Excellent	Good	Average	Unsatisfactory
	70% (51)	25% (18)	4% (3)	1% (1)

	Comments:
	"Much better than single speakers"
	"Panelists all had knowledge, passion, and ability to communicate"
	"While the panel format was interesting, it did not allow for indepth consideration of any issue"
	"To use the jargon, this forum could well be the 'tipping point' for sustainability in NZ. In any case, the panel approach using the experienced RNZ interviewers, was inspired and sets the benchmark"
	"The panel discussions were a great way of hearing many opinions on specific points"

Q 2: How relevant was the forum content to your work?

	Totally relevant	Very relevant	Partially relevant	Little relevance
	38% (27)	53% (38)	8% (6)	1% (1)

Q 3: How did you find the forum management overall?

	Excellent	Good	Average	Unsatisfactory
	64% (47)	36% (26)	0	0

	Comments:
	"I thought it was a great forum and very well organised"
	"Some highly respected and reputable speakers. Good choice of MCs for leading the discussion. Very good venue and catering arrangements"

Q 4: Did the forum deliver value for money for the time and money spent?

	Definitely	Yes, in the main	Not really	No
	61% (44)	37% (27)	1% (1)	1% (1)

Q 5: Having attended the forum, what actions would you like to see now, and what outcomes would you like to see as a result of it?

and

Q 6: Do you have any other comments?

Complimentary feedback

		Praise for the forum in general	16 comments
		Radio New Zealand's involvement (technical and moderators)	10
		Panels - format, and quality of panelists	9

	Sample comments
	"The involvement of Radio NZ was spectacular and added so much to the success of the forum"
	"One of the best forums ever attended"
	"A fitting tribute to 10 great years by Morgan"
	"I enjoyed the forum immensely - it gave me a wonderful chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues and make new connections. It also made me realise I was not so alone any more - lots of people have now 'got' sustainability"
	"The best conference/seminar I've attended in the past 10 years"

Not-so-complimentary feedback

		No forum proceedings or summaries to take away	16
		Coverage from panels/guests lacked depth	4

	Sample comments
	"A set of forum papers delivered to each attendee capturing and summarising the salient points"
	"Colleagues and I agree - some sort of written record is needed, so that the thoughts are captured and can be referred to"
	"Some of the 'questions' were delegates just wanting to blow their own trumpets - they wasted precious time to pick the panelists' brains"
	"The forum appeared to be a perfect opportunity for radical intellectual debate - this was an opportunity lost"

A future forum should...

		Involve a wider range of sectors e.g. business, local government, farming	11
		More fora like this are needed, and more regularly	4
		Include more discussion of future directions and practical advice	4

	Sample comments
	"The forum was run so smoothly, conducted in such a civilised manner, and was so good-humoured that it masked the ugliness of the situation we face"
	"It was a great reunion, but the committed were largely talking to the committed"
	"Would have been good to have more corporates/small business/farmers in panelists and delegates'

Action for sustainability should include...

		Multi-sectoral collaboration (possibly facilitated by PCE)	10
		More tangible results (more action, less talk); more practical advice	9
		Pan-Parliamentary cooperation	8
		Expanded and continuing investigation and monitoring by the PCE	7
		Greater communication and 'selling' of sustainability to the wider public	5
		More research and data on our sustainability performance	5

	Sample comments
	"You need to look more macro-economically in the future. In particular, focus on the finance sector (the owners of the businesses who, for the most part, directly and indirectly determine so much of what happens)"
	"The big issue over lack of data should be addressed urgently"
	"PCE focusing on how government can embrace sustainability as an overarching concept, and can make sure that policies and initiatives in all ministries are integrated into an overall sustainable NZ agenda"
	"A five-yearly event - not once every 20 years"
	"Someone to take leadership responsibility nationally for continued national and regional momentum arising from the forum"
	"Statements and outcomes from it will be fed into our district plan and state-of-environment reporting that is currently underway"