Iwi, community and business leaders from across the Bay of Plenty-Waiariki met with science leaders in October to hear how science can better contribute to the future of the region.
The Science New Zealand board, made up of the chief executives of New Zealand’s seven Crown Research Institutes, held its bimonthly meeting at Scion in Rotorua.
The board later toured Scion and attended an evening function with representatives from businesses, councils and iwi.
At the function, the chief executives outlined work their organisations are doing in the region, including biodiversity restoration, tackling invasive species and pathogens, using land resources effectively, and working to improve the overall health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. They all reiterated the importance of incorporating mātauranga Māori with the sciences and cross-CRI collaboration.
From left: Chief executives Chelydra Percy from GNS Science, James Stevenson-Wallace from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Julian Elder from Scion, Sue Bidrose from AgResearch, Mark Piper from Plant and Food Research, and Institute of Environmental Science and Research Environment Group general manager Wim Nijhof.LEFT TO RIGHT, FROM TOP: • Te Ao Māori interim research group leader Selwyn Insley welcomed guests to Te Whare Nui o Tuteata. • AgResearch chief executive Sue Bidrose talked about the work the CRI was doing in the Bay of Plenty. • Science New Zealand chief executive Anthony Scott, left, with Hēmi Rolleston. • Scion chief executive Dr Julian Elder speaking to guests. • Invited guests included Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell. • Representatives from businesses, councils and iwi were invited to the evening function. • Dave Binnie from Tūaropaki Trust, left, speaks with James Stevenson-Wallace from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. • GNS Science chief executive Chelydra Percy. • Matetu Herewini from Te Rūnanga o Te Whānau a Apanui.
