Combining practical engineering skills with research excellence, Dr Amir Tarighaleslami is helping industrial plants use heat more efficiently and reduce emissions. Our processing industries use around 214 quadrillion joules of heat per year, with around 65% supplied by fossil fuels. Despite dwindling fuel resources and pressure to reduce related greenhouse gas emissions, this valuable heat…
CRV Ambreed’s LowN team is tackling the issue of nitrogen loss from urine patches at its source. Every day around 1,000 tonnes of nitrogen (N) hits New Zealand farmland in urine from lactating cows. On average, 200 tonnes leaches into groundwater or waterways where it can affect water quality. A smaller amount becomes nitrous oxide,…
Dr. Douglas White’s research and award-winning communication initiatives are increasing both our understanding of rheumatic diseases and outcomes for patients. While working at Waikato Hospital, Dr. White has enhanced knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic conditions. He has explored how skin changes can assist early, accurate confirmation of systemic sclerosis; genetic predisposition for…
Shining the spotlight on our iconic native wētā has been the heart of Dr. Corinne Watts’ scientific career. Her research into the impact of predators, biocontrol agents and habitat change on our native invertebrates has informed successful relocation of wētā to sanctuaries (such as Zealandia and Maungatautari Ecological Island) and restoration strategies for major infrastructure…
NIWA’s Māori Environmental Research team, Te Kūwaha o Taihoro Nukurangi works alongside Māori communities to help them access and interpret the latest scientific data and tools, while respecting their unique knowledge systems. Te Kūwaha has worked collaboratively with iwi, hapu and councils to incorporate mātauranga into a number of catchment restoration programmes including strategies for…
LIC has combined satellite imagery with computer modeling to take the hassle out of pasture management and improve farm productivity. Grass is the cheapest form of feed in our pastoral farming system. Farmers need to know whether they have enough to feed their animals or whether they need to bring in extra feed or use…
Dr. Jonni Koia is exploring the potential of traditional Maori medicinal plants – rongoā rākau – as anti-diabetic agents. Completing her PhD in Queensland, Dr. Koia led a world-first study to identify the genes involved in pineapple ripening. This research discovered genes that could be used to improve nutritional and dietary intake of plant foods…
NIWA’s Marine Ecology team relies on Sarah Hailes to stay afloat. Moving from a focus on insects at SCION to marine macroinvertebrates at NIWA, Sarah has developed specialist skills in the collection and analysis of seabed samples as well as practical ones in boat mastery and maintenance, marine radio operation and first aid. The quality…
Dr. Richard Bulmer’s research has advanced methods for managing mangroves and clarified how the gnarly estuarine plants could help us meet CO2reduction targets. The impact of rising carbon emissions on global warming has increased interest in identifying ecosystems with high carbon storage capacity. Richard’s initial research focused on how much carbon is stored in healthy…
Self-healing bio-concrete technology sounds like it has stepped straight out of a sci-fi movie. University of Waikato researchers Aydin Berenjian and Mostafa Seifan have cracked a problem that has been plaguing scientists and the construction industry worldwide. Concrete is a versatile and widely used building material but it is vulnerable to damage and requires monitoring…