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2020 News

  1. New Canterbury postgrad school could hold the key to food sustainability

    A new postgraduate school focusing on food sustainability has launched in Canterbury.

  2. Weka tucker – could mice and rats be on the menu?

    A recent study has suggested that New Zealand’s native scallywag bird, the weka ([Gallirallus australis]), may be able to help restore native biodiversity by suppressing pest animals such as rats and mice. The study, published in the [New Zealand Journal of Ecology], found that rats, mice, and even ...

  3. Prehistoric Aotearoa brought to life in virtual reality

    Virtual reality is bringing prehistoric New Zealand back to life thanks to a collaboration between Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and digital agency, Waxeye.

  4. Mapping package gives iwi and conservation groups the tools to monitor their conservation progress

    Iwi and conservation groups throughout the country can now track and plan the conservation progress of native taonga species in their rohe, thanks to a new free software package.

  5. Researchers predict refuges from the disease myrtle rust

    Myrtle rust is a disease that has been infecting New Zealand’s iconic native myrtles since it arrived in the country in 2017. Researchers have now identified geographical areas (known as ‘refugia’ by ecologists) where species from the plant family Myrtaceae may be able to seek refuge from the fungal...

  6. Bridging the gap between remote sensing and tree modelling with data science

    Bridging the gap between remote sensing and tree modelling with data science is a Manaaki Whenua-led project that will leverage joint Kiwi/Singaporean expertise in data science, remote sensing, and 3D modelling to establish a proof-of-concept integrated methodology.

  7. Rats with chips: how microchipped rats are helping scientists to protect our native birds

    Some of the highest rat densities ever measured on the New Zealand mainland are being recorded in a study run by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, at a remote Fiordland forest site. The study, run in collaboration with the Department of Conservation, is showing the remarkable ability of rats to mu...

  8. Slowing down enabled connection with nature

    Slowing down during lockdown enabled connection with nature.

    Many people noted that slowing down renewed their sense of connection with nature, seeing, hearing and feeling nature more intensely both at home and in their local areas. Connecting with nature generated a sense of calm, brought joy and...

  9. Caring for and with nature during rāhui was at times quite challenging

    Social scientist Alison Greenaway discovered that people who have a sense of kaitiakitanga or guardianship expressed great responsibility for the whenua (land), and for the environment during lockdown.

  10. People have high hopes that post COVID-19 NZ will be more connected

    When asked about their hopes for the post-COVID future of Aotearoa New Zealand typically people wanted nature to get more attention and better care.