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Media Releases

  1. New research institute to advance the bioeconomy

    Today marks a new era for innovation to boost the bioeconomy as New Zealand’s largest research institute is launched.

  2. The 19th NZ Garden Bird Survey starts on Saturday 28 June

    Thousands of New Zealanders have their pencils sharpened and at the ready for the start of the 19th New Zealand Garden Bird Survey | Te Tatauranga o ngā Manu Māra o Aotearoa on Saturday 28 June.

  3. How have our garden birds been tracking since 2014?

    Things are looking up for the tauhou (silvereye), according to the results from the 2024 State of New Zealand Garden Birds | Te Āhua o ngā Manu o te Kāri Aotearoa report, which has just been released. The national declines for the species that were reported in previous years have tapered off and the...

  4. Working the ‘shroom: the New Zealand Fungal Foray heads to Taranaki

    This week sees the 36th annual New Zealand Fungal Foray taking place in the forests near Urenui, Taranaki. Staff at Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research began the Fungal Forays back in 1986, under the auspices of the DSIR, and have forayed across different regions in the country almost every year sinc...

  5. Ancient poo proves moa were key dispersers of colourful truffle-like fungi in New Zealand beech forests

    In a curious case of finding something unexpected whilst looking for something else, scientists at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research’s palaeoecology lab have discovered that ancient moa were fond of fungi, particularly colourful truffle-like species that mimic fruit. This discovery, in turn, has he...

  6. Small Tree Patches: Big impact on carbon storage in New Zealand grasslands

    A new study reveals small tree patches can have mighty environmental, economic, and cultural benefits in grassland landscapes across Aotearoa New Zealand.

  7. The summer the Southern Alps turned red

    When snow on the Southern Alps turned from white to red in the summer of 2019/2020, ash from Australia’s bushfires was blamed. But researchers studying the event now say the real culprit was desert dust storms that sent massive amounts of red dust across the Tasman Sea. These storms are likely to oc...

  8. Digging for treasure: AI tool to help scientists access soil research under development

    Callaghan Innovation and Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research are digging into artificial intelligence to develop a tool to help scientists uncover a treasure trove of soil research insights.

  9. Vanuatu expands invasive weed management efforts with landmark release of natural enemies in Espiritu Santo

    Following the successful release of the hibiscus bur lace bug in July and the Pico beetle in early November on Efate, the attention now shifts to Espiritu Santo. On 26 November these natural enemies will be released at a landmark event at the Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Technical Centre (VARTC...

  10. The soil at our feet: Soil scientists digging in to celebrate World Soils Day – 5 December 2024

    Soil scientists from across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific are gathering in Rotorua next month to celebrate the importance of the soil at our feet, with a conference and unique soil judging competition.