Conservation Biologist John Perrott

A mātauranga Scientist/communicator and Associate Professor/Research Ecologist at the AUT School of Science, specialising in Conservation Biology of endangered species and Kaitiakitanga, John Perrott possesses a rich volume of knowledge on the flora and fauna of Aotearoa New Zealand. In conversation with NZASE science
communicator Sneha Pillai, Associate Professor John Perrott reflects on his journey as a kaitiaki and conservation
biologist

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Tiakitanga

Many schools use the term kaitiakitanga to mean caring for our environment as a responsible NZ citizen. While a worthwhile aspiration, nevertheless it can unintentionally ride roughshod over a Māori tikanga with deeper meanings which need to be considered.
In consultation with Nick Bryant (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Whatua) Mike Stone learns more about kaitiakitanga and tiakitanga.

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Repo – Wetlands

Wetlands, areas of soggy ground with standing water, were seen as undesirable by Pākehā settlers and cleared for farming or urban development. Unsurprisingly, only ten percent of our wetlands remain. They are now seen as precious, important for removing sediment and toxins from water, for protecting land from flooding and for absorbing carbon (eg, peat bogs). Science Communicator Mike Stone talks with two primary teachers whose students visit a repo to learn more about the community of living things.

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Pest control

Predator Free 2050 is an ambitious goal for Aotearoa/NZ, but achievable if everyone does their bit. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone draws on an expert’s knowledge and talks with teachers who have been involving students in trapping rats and possums.

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