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Pūtaiao - Manaaki Whenua science summary

Tēnā koe and welcome to Issue 16 of Pūtaiao (‘science’ in te reo Māori), our quarterly publication showcasing the work of Manaaki Whenua.
Cover. Pūtaiao Issue 16. The art of the matter. Biodiversity & beating invasives.

Pūtaiao Issue 16. The art of the matter. Biodiversity & beating invasives.

Pūtaiao Issue 16. The art of the matter.
Biodiversity and beating invasives

In this issue we dig deep into our work on weed control, outline our recent progress in eradicating the wiliest of pests, and reveal the power of graphic illustrations for communicating our science. Among other stories we’ve discovered how to boost kiwi chick survival against harmful bacteria, chased possums over bridges – and used genomics – to trace how they move across landscapes, and developed new guidelines for ecosourcing tree seeds in Aotearoa New Zealand. We hope you enjoy the issue.

To find out more about any of the stories, contact Manaaki Whenua’s Senior Communications Advisor
Kim Triegaardt: triegaardtk@landcareresearch.co.nz

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If you would like a printed copy of this publication please contact Manaaki Whenua’s Senior Communications Advisor Kim Triegaardt: triegaardtk@landcareresearch.co.nz

Latest articles from Pūtaiao

Entomology technician Arnaud Cartier inspecting the progress of African tulip leaf trees’ natural enemies in the Invertebrate Containment Facility in Lincoln.

Natural enemies take charge in weed biocontrol

The sheer number and potential impacts of weeds in Aotearoa New Zealand are staggering. At least 1,800 plant species are naturalised, and...

The bright orange-red flowers and yellow frilly edges of the African tulip tree that is threatening to overwhelm the forests of Rarotonga.

Weed busting success in Rarotonga

There was a satisfied sigh across Rarotonga recently. Two visits by Manaaki Whenua researchers to the Pacific island had revealed that th...

Measuring the threat of wilding pines. Image: Brad White

Understanding weeds powers future research

While Aotearoa New Zealand positions itself as a global leader in battling pest species, our research teams focused on weeds understand t...

Forest in Taranaki

Native reforestation: standing our ground

Native reforestation on marginal agricultural land has the potential to contribute to both climate adaptation and mitigation. Native fore...

Senior Researcher Mahajabeen Padamsee counts leaves on a ramada tree in Egmont National Park

Beyond Myrtle Rust: final meeting for a collaborative programme

The BMR programme recently held its fifth & final AGM, celebrating all the hard work done over the past 5 years.

Observing how stoats move and connect are part of ongoing research trials on animal behaviour

Using animal behaviour to eliminate the last survivors and achieve predator freedom

Why are some stoats able to evade traps and other devices intended to eliminate these invasive predators?

Rat | Kiore

Creating “cultural licence to operate” in pest control

Key to making research programmes successful is ensuring we have the social and cultural licence to operate says Kairangahau Māori Mahuru...

ship rat comic th4

Graphic illustrations tell rats’ tales

Finding ways to share research so it cuts through a cluttered media environment is an ongoing challenge. Researcher Dr Jo Carpenter has e...

Mt Taranaki and Hangatahua / Stony River.

Tracking vertebrate pests using landscape genomics

The challenge in keeping an environment free of predators is to make sure any remaining populations of animals in other areas don’t reinv...

A kiwi chick emerges from its egg at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Image: Peter Young

Trusting their gut

A hygiene hypothesis that children are more vulnerable to diseases because sterile outdoor play areas lead to a lack of microbe diversity...

Knowledge systems

Working across knowledge systems to co-design workable outcomes

From the outset, New Zealand’s Biological Heritage National Science Challenge has been committed to reshaping how mātauranga Māori and We...

th Nine proposed eco-evolutionary regions for ecosourcing. A, Ecosourcing regions overlaid onto New Zealand topographic map. B, Ecosourcing regions overlaid onto Regional Council regions.

New guidelines suggested for ecosourcing seed

When it comes to ecological restoration in Aotearoa New Zealand, obtaining plant seeds with a known local wild origin has been widely adv...

celebrating our achievements 16

Celebrating our achievements

Kara Scally-Irvine (iPEN impact and evaluation specialist), Ross Laurence (iPEN Chair, Maanaki Whenua) and Sue Bidrose (iPEN sponsor, AgR...

River in flood

Our role in cyclone recovery

Watching the destruction Cyclone Gabrielle wrought across the North Island in February was overwhelming. I grew up in Hawkes Bay and to s...

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Key contact

Kim Triegaardt

Kim Triegaardt

Senior Communications Advisor
Brand & Communications - Communications
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