The changing distribution & uses of Raupō #indigenousknowledge#Aotearoa

The common raupō once kept NZ’s wetlands and lakes thriving – now it could help restore them

Māori used all parts of raupō for weaving and food, but the plant also kept lakes healthy. This connection between cultural and ecological roles means its fate is closely linked with people.

Some major red flags in here - "The Government’s former science advisers say this [cuts to science sector], paired with ministers ignoring official advice and research on the impacts of their policies, shows the Government views data and evidence as “inconvenient”"

‘Inconvenient truths' stall naming PM’s science chief

A Government committed to data-based decisions has cut nearly 400 science roles, while the PM's own expert position has sat vacant for months.

Interesting thought piece on AI use in Universities: "By claiming ownership over student IP, Turnitin also profits from Indigenous students’ ideas. But this threatens Indigenous data sovereignty – that data produced by or about Indigenous communities should be governed by those communities." 🧪

Clones in the classroom: why universities must be wary of embracing AI-driven teaching tools

Big EdTech is increasingly filling a gap left by university underfunding. But tertiary stakeholders must question whether such “solutions” really contribute to a university education.

Really great article outlining new research on the public and Māori perspectives on gene technology (e.g. pest control, conservation). Some really interesting insights - including more transparency from the science community. 🧪🌏

NZ’s government plans to lift a ban on gene tech outside the lab – here’s what people think

Discussions about the rules governing genetic technology in New Zealand remain complex. But they need not be marked by conflict, as long as people’s views and values are genuinely considered.

Taken time to reflect on the #WorldGreenInfrastructureCongress#Aotearoa#TāmakiMākaurau - hoping the local presence means a push forward. 🌏🧪

NZ Mistletoes provide awesome habitat for insects & resources for birds - they need better PR & could boost the value of exotic trees...#biodiversity #Aotearoa

NZ mistletoes are parasites but not villains – they’re vital for birds and insects during winter

The benefits of leafy mistletoes for wintering arthropods include shelter from extreme weather and hungry birds as well as a more humid microclimate to avoid desiccation.

The Australian Institute of #Alpine#Tasmaniaforms.gle/Qn3ByKazYpAK... Abstracts are due 12 Aug and students are encouraged to present. Virtual option available for presenting/attending! 🧪🌾🌏

Australian Institute of Alpine Studies Symposium 2024

Dates: 26th - 27th September 2024 Location: University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Hobart, TAS 7005 Contact us: sally.neeser@deakin.edu.au

🌏🧪If #nature#OlympicGames, who would win gold?🥇 Here are a few competitors we would place our bets on!

What we do in our backyard has a huge impact on biodiversity - I shared my thoughts with Gretchen Carroll for the Kiwi Gardener magazine. Highlights - 'embrace the untidy' and 'pet peeves' 🌏🧪#yards #urbanbiodiversity#Ilovemessy#invasivespecies

There are better alternatives to artificial turf.... green infrastructure 🌏🧪

Kids’ sport always cancelled due to rain-soaked grounds? Green infrastructure can help

As mums, it’s been frustrating to see so many of our kids’ sport matches cancelled due to waterlogged grounds. Research shows how we can tackle this through smarter design and green infrastructure.