It was a bittersweet moment when the end of the BioHeritage National Science Challenge was marked with a ‘Close and Celebration’ event in mid-July.
Reflecting on the journey of the Challenge which started back in 2014, the online and Lincoln in-person event acknowledged contributions from a decade’s mahi, highlighted the personal and professional impact of BioHeritage, and shared hopes of the legacy that will endure in the years to come post-Challenge.
The event was opened and closed with karakia, words and thanks by Mana Rangatira Governance Group’s Edward Ellison, with MRGG members Kevin Prime and Glenice Paine speaking about the importance and significance of BioHeritage’s mission.
Founding chair James Buwalda said initially they held meetings to build alliances, and had to crash some heads together to get things going and get the Wellington decision-makers over the line. He said the Challenge tried new things and made them work, “What else could we do? It was all about partnership. I really enjoyed a lot about the process.”
Another founder, interim Director Bruce Clarkson noted it was difficult to get funding at the start, but now the challenge was to ensure the legacy of the BioHeritage persists, and ensure that funding continues for ‘our biodiversity, our biosecurity, our te taiao’. “It hasn’t finished,” he said, mentioning the collaborations, relationships, friendships and lifelong colleagues which will continue post-Challenge.
Co-Chair Rob Phillips said BioHeritage was ‘quite a different beast from when it first started’, having better incorporated Māori perspectives and co-governance so it was now ‘part of the way we do business’. “The last three to four years have been fantastic.”
MRGG member Dan Walker said he was attracted to the mission-led approach of the Challenge, and noted how the process of innovation created value and values. “Value has been created, sometimes different than expected, from genuine collaboration. There is now the opportunity to use that innovation and build on that momentum.”
Former Co-Director Andrea Byrom said her key takeaway from BioHeritage was the collegiality and long-term connections built, acknowledging the calmness and kindness of Challenge Kaumātua and former Kāhui Chair and MRGG member Kevin Prime, the significant contributions of MRGG Co-Chair Glenice Paine and founding Chair James Buwalda, and Mel Mark-Shadbolt for driving the vision. She said the pivot point in the Challenge’s journey was when BioHeritage decided to be Tiriti-led. “I hope we have built a legacy to impact on the future science system in a new era.”
Co-Director Mel Mark-Shadbolt talked about the journey. “We’ve shown the way, by being as inclusive as possible, encouraging all types of researchers to participate, and being as diverse as possible. BioHeritage has shown leadership. We’ve helped change the system. We’ve undertaken projects important for biodiversity and biosecurity, and to fill in the gaps.”
Speaking about the outcomes and impact, BioHeritage Chief Scientist Duane Peltzer said BioHeritage met the need for collective, collaborative and coordinated research to address the big problems facing New Zealand. “How you do it really matters.” He said the focus on impact meant BioHeritage’s work would endure long after the National Science Challenges. “BioHeritage had $63 million invested over 10 years – but it is not a lot of money really. It is the equivalent of a couple of kilometres of highway and less than two inshore naval patrol boats.”
Manaaki Whenua’s Science General Manager Fiona Carswell said it was a learning process for Manaaki Whenua figuring out how best to work with the Challenge. “BioHeritage has given us the courage to work in new ways – we really want to emulate that. We’ve learnt a lot about collaboration, and also nurturing people into leadership and as early careers researchers.”
Co-lead during both Tranche 1 and 2 Phil Lyver said he was attracted to the Challenge because the long-term funding ‘provided a space’ which supported developing ideas, inclusiveness, and building teams, which in turn enabled tangible relationships with stakeholders to be cultivated. “I’m keen to see the legacy of BioHeritage.”
Speaking about the Challenge’s legacy and the future, current Co-Director Daniel Patrick shared how one of the Challenge’s points of difference was its ‘dual knowledge power’. He also recognised that BioHeritage had played an influential role in the professional development of many early career researchers.
Having joined BioHeritage in 2018 for her PhD, Ngā Pī Ka Rere Co-Lead Aisling Rayne said BioHeritage had a huge impact on her life, provided collaboration, community and support. “It has been life-changing for me. The people and environment have made me the researcher I am today.”
Another early career researcher Kiri Joy Wallace acknowledged the significance of BioHeritage. “It has defined my career. I’m part of the legacy.”
“As an early career researcher BioHeritage has been life-changing – lots of great experiences and opportunities,” commented researcher Ellie Tapsell. “Life changing for the not-so-early career researchers too!” replied research Co-Lead Joanne Clapcott.
Researcher and party representative Tara Strand thanked initial Co-Directors Andrea Byrom and Mel Mark-Shadbolt saying what she learned working with them had carried into her new role where she has “referred to the exemplar co-leadership and the opening up of space for different research pathways . . . I thank you both . . . for demonstrating with grace how to face headwinds and carry on.”
Knowledge Broker Bill Dyck illustrated the struggles and opportunities ahead, saying we know more today. “But if I have concerns, they are about the challenge to maintain momentum, not lose what we have gained, and being able to readily tap into the knowledge that is currently contained in the collective minds of all those that have participated in this Challenge.” He said how he’s enjoyed meeting so many researchers – and reacquainting others he’s known before – all dedicated to maintaining biodiversity. “It’s a powerful force, and one that the Challenge harnessed and needs to continue.”
Operations Manager Aaron McGlinchy, who has been involved for the duration of BioHeritage, said the people who worked in the Challenge ‘give me hope’. “Despite the difficult times facing researchers, don’t give up – we need to keep fighting the good fight.”