Stacey

Aspen Berry (Kāi Tahu) is looking at communication related to the campaign to manage myrtle rust as part of a Masters in Strategic Communication at the University of Canterbury.

Five years into the myrtle rust incursion, the question on everybody’s lips is, “How bad is it really?” According to Beccy Ganley, Ngā Rākau Taketake Science Leader, we don’t know.

Anniversaries, good or bad, are a time for reflection. As we observe the five-year anniversary of myrtle rust’s arrival on mainland New Zealand, we find ourselves looking back over the strides made in research, where Ngā Rākau Taketake has contributed, and the future of myrtle ora (health) in New Zealand.

April will see a change for Ngā Pī Ka Rere, with Aisling Rayne and Symon Palmer joining Helen Warburton in leadership, while Kathryn McRae steps away. Find out more . . .

A big part of our biosecurity system is being prepared – something Maddie Marshall knows all about from her PhD research.

We are welcoming five new students to Ngā Rākau Taketake theme Risk Assessment & Ecosystem Impacts! Meet them and find out more about what they’ll be studying.

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.

As we thank Tash for her services in co-leading Theme 2 – Mobilising for Action, we are also excited to welcome Mark Harvey (Mātāwaka no Ngāti Toa) to the co-leadership role! Here’s what Mark has to say about his passion for the theme and what he hopes to accomplish as co-lead.

Natasha Tassell-Matamua is stepping down as co-lead for Theme 2 – Mobilising for action. But don’t worry, she isn’t going far! She’ll continue in a research capacity for several projects within the theme. Here’s what she has to say about this transition.