Two key changes in the leadership and management of the Challenge. Read more here.
April 2021 newsletter
Updates on kauri dieback and myrtle rust, new research on wasp behaviour and more…
Trans-Tasman collaboration unlocks genetic secrets behind myrtle rust
Scientists have sequenced the genome of the fungus which causes the disease myrtle rust, Austropuccinia psidii.
Kauri dieback monitoring in the Waitākere Ranges
A new collaborate effort between Auckland Council, mana whenua and researchers is underway to monitor kauri dieback in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, with plans to survey up to 3,500 kauri trees for signs of the disease.
Biodiversity Instruments: Concept Report
A new report on opportunities for increasing investment into projects and activities that preserve, support and expand Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biological heritage.
The persistence of degraded freshwater communities
Despite physical improvements, degraded aquatic communities in restored streams tend to persist.
Conserving and restoring our taonga rākau
Updates from the Conservation and Restoration team on the mahi they’re doing to safeguard trees that are impacted by myrtle rust and kauri dieback.
Invasive wasps are sharing resources
New research has shown that invasive wasp species are sharing resources, allowing them to coexist.
Media Release: Myrtle Rust can infect mānuka fruit and seeds
Researchers investigating the susceptibility of several plant species to myrtle rust have observed infection on mānuka seed capsules for the first time.
March 2021 newsletter – Ngā Rākau Taketake
Updates from Kauri Rescue, new research on the impact of climate change on conservation in Aotearoa and more…
Taking climate change into account for conservation in Aotearoa
Without taking into consideration the impact that a changing climate could have on both native and non-native species, the benefits of pest control efforts could be lost.
Alby Marsh – bringing people together to fight myrtle rust
Alby Marsh is working with researchers and communities to build relationships and solutions that will help in the fight against myrtle rust.
Profile: Natasha Tassell-Matamua
As a co-lead for the Ngā Rākau Taketake investment Mobilising for Action, Associate Professor Natasha Tassell-Matamua contributes a wealth of knowledge on the connection between te taiao and well-being.
Kauri Rescue Updates
After having their funding from Auckland Council suspended early last year due to Covid-19, things are beginning to look up for Kauri Rescue again after becoming an independent charitable trust. We had a chat with Dr Mels Barton to find out what they’ve been up to lately.
February 2021 newsletter – National Science Challenge
Get to know our new co-director, read updates from SO1 and meet the new co-lead for SO7.
Get to know our new co-director: Daniel Patrick
In January this year we welcomed our new co-director Daniel Patrick to the team, with a pōwhiri at the Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Tamaki site. Now that he’s had a month to settle into his new Tamaki based role, we sat down to learn more about him.