Scientific information tends to be distributed as neatly packaged facts with simplified stories. This can be effective at raising awareness of issues, but it can also make solutions seem simpler than they are – people are then left wondering why change isn’t happening faster.

As we thank Tash for her services in co-leading Theme 2 – Mobilising for Action, we are also excited to welcome Mark Harvey (Mātāwaka no Ngāti Toa) to the co-leadership role! Here’s what Mark has to say about his passion for the theme and what he hopes to accomplish as co-lead.

Natasha Tassell-Matamua is stepping down as co-lead for Theme 2 – Mobilising for action. But don’t worry, she isn’t going far! She’ll continue in a research capacity for several projects within the theme. Here’s what she has to say about this transition.

A team at Massey University, in collaboration with researchers at Scion, Plant and Food Research, Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Oregon, has built what appears to be the first chromosome-level Phytophthora genome assembly in the world.

Last year, NRT funding was used to purchase a critical piece of lab equipment – a commercial paint can shaker.

Ngā Rākau Taketake (NRT) and Beyond Myrtle Rust (BMR) are partners in tackling myrtle rust. We spoke with Beccy Ganley and Nick Waipara (Rongowhakaata and Ngāti Ruapani ki Tūranga) from NRT and Mahajabeen Padamsee and Renee Johansen from BMR about their thoughts on the value of this collaboration.

We’ve been hard at work articulating and illustrating what we are up to at Beyond Myrtle Rust. Here is our story.

Beyond Myrtle Rust would like to introduce and welcome our newest PhD student, Vladislav Kholostiakov, to the broader myrtle rust community.

Ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata) and rōhutu (Lophomyrtus obcordata) are particularly susceptible to myrtle rust infection, with full tree death of ramarama first reported in 2020. It is critical we understand the reproduction of these species to ensure their survival.