Kennedy Jr to speak here

AUT University is set to host a landmark event next month – the first public lecture by a member of the Kennedy family in New Zealand.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, the nephew of the late American president John F Kennedy and son of senator Robert Kennedy, will speak about his environmental causes at the Hyatt Regency in Auckland on December 16.

Mr Kennedy has dedicated his life to fighting environmental and human rights causes.

He was named one of Time magazine’s "heroes for the planet" in recognition of his role in the restoration of New York’s Hudson River.

Mr Kennedy is a clinical professor and supervising attorney at Pace University’s Environmental Litigation Clinic and has worked on several political campaigns including Al Gore’s in 2000.

More recently he has dedicated himself to the environment and everyone’s right to have clean water and air by taking on big corporate polluters.

His Auckland keynote speech will be introduced by former prime minister Mike Moore.

"Bobby is an outstanding speaker and rates among the best in the world alongside Bill Clinton and Sir Bob Geldof," says Mr Moore.

During his own speech, Mr Moore will introduce his School Aid concept – an investment fund that will be overseen by Kiwi school children – with dividends going to help schools in developing countries.

AUT University is now working with him to develop the concept.

Bookings for the event can be made at www.duco.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News