Clark appointed patron of Zealandia

Former Prime Minister and Minister of Conservation Helen Clark has been appointed patron of Wellington ecosanctuary Zealandia. "I’m delighted," she said. ‘‘I’ve long been impressed by its dedication to providing an urban ecosanctuary and restoring its corner of Wellington.’’ She looked forward to visiting and "seeing the positive impact it was having as a habitat for New Zealand’s unique wildlife". Zealandia chief executive Paul Atkins said Clark had been a life-long conservationist. While Prime Minister from 1999-2008 and Minister of Conservation from 1987-1989 she was a strong supporter of protection of habitat for New Zealand’s birds, visiting Zealandia and many other protected areas around the world.