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Genetic pest controls and how they sit with Māori
Pest control using RNAi or gene editing technologies could be the way forward for eradicating some pests in Aotearoa. But are they socially acceptable?
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Provoking possibilities for stronger relationships with nature
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.
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A guide to Vision Mātauranga from some of the best in the science sector
The Rauika Māngai are a group of Māori representatives from across all eleven National Science Challenges, who recently put their combined wisdom and advice into one, freely accessible guide. A…
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Publishing news: Lessons learned from complicated seeds
A recent paper published in Plants outlines the seed storage physiology of Lophomyrtus and Neomyrtus, two threatened Myrtaceae genera endemic to New Zealand. Spoiler alert: rōhutu (Lophomyrtus obcordata) is less sensitive to storage methods than ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata) and Neomyrtus pedunculata remains a mystery.
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Ngā Pī Ka Rere spotlight: Kevan Cote, using machine learning to answer ecological questions
Kevan Cote’s work at AgResearch first involved tracking the welfare of goats, and more recently for Eco-index he’s creating systems to distinguish between ecosystem types. Two very different subjects, but with a fascinating common factor at play: machine learning.
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Research document champions “authentic Te Tiriti o Waitangi relationships” for local government
Steps Towards Authentic Te Tiriti o Waitangi Relationships at a Local Government Level is a summary of a research report commissioned by The Review into the Future for Local Government…
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Strengthening customary harvest rights could provide finely-tuned care in sustaining important wetland species, study finds
A recently published paper has provided evidence and framework to support reform in wildlife management regulations surrounding the customary harvest of swan eggs at Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere).
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New project explores the social and scientific complexity of starting a DNA library for Aotearoa
BioHeritage is funding a new 18-month project, with the goal to deliver a white paper to government that provides an investment case for developing a national DNA reference library, founded upon Te Tiriti Governance. Manpreet Dhami, project co-lead and Senior Researcher in Biocontrol & Molecular Ecology at Manaaki Whenua, spoke with us about the inspiration for the project and what the team hopes to accomplish.
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Myrtle Rust Risk Prediction - a new data platform
The Myrtle Rust Risk Prediction platform is here! A massive inter-agency effort has resulted in the first digital tool that allows for the prediction of myrtle rust risk on a site-by-site basis.
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The persistence of degraded freshwater communities
Despite physical improvements, degraded aquatic communities in restored streams tend to persist.
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Tranche 2 Dec 2019 update
The scoping and design process for Tranche 2 is now complete and we have several new projects underway . . .
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Public Perceptions Will Determine Suitable Use of Gene Tech
Addressing public concerns about the suitability and safety of new innovations is crucial to the responsible use of genetic technologies for environmental problems, according to new research. Funded by BioHeritage…
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Introducing Dr Fabien Medvecky
Dr Fabien Medvecky is working with the Ngā Rākau Taketake – Mobilising for Action team. We sat down to have a chat about his work.