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TechWeek 2019

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Launched in 2016, Techweek is New Zealand’s annual festival of innovation that’s good for the world. It amplifies the stories of individuals and companies who are changing the shape of the near future for the better. We released stories, videos and livestreams during the event to show how our scientists are using technology to meet their goals for the environment.

Mānuka honey’s sticky situation and the project working to solve it

Mānuka honey has quickly become New Zealand’s latest gold rush, and honey lovers across the globe can’t get enough of the ‘liquid gold’.

But with at least 879,750 registered beehives across the country, twice as many as 15 years ago, the industry is working at a rate that both our flowering vegetation and honeybees can’t sustain. 

Read more in our interactive StoryMap .

The Lake Snow Toolbox

Lake snow is produced by a microscopic alga and is a major problem in Central Otago and Wanaka. The reason why this is growing in lakes in these regions is unclear, but due to the impacts it has on homes and businesses, Manaaki Whenua are developing a monitoring device for regional councils.

Biotechnology: Inside an ancient DNA (aDNA) laboratory

Manaaki Whenua uses international biotech methods to achieve results in our labs, including obtaining information from ancient DNA. The process of entering the lab is documented in this behind-the-scenes video and shows why DNA is sensitive to contamination.

Livestreams

We also ran three livestream 'ask me anything' sessions with a range of our scientists via our Facebook channel. This allowed the public to see our staff talk about their research specialities, ask any questions, and get a behind the scenes view into Manaaki Whenua.