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
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.
Māori Scientist Posters: Biologist Alana Alexander
Alana Alexander is a marine evolutionary biologist who studies how sea creatures evolve and change.
Read MoreCurious Minds: Schools in community science projects
Financial support and expertise is available for teachers wanting to develop more expensive learning projects for their students. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone found it is well worth investigating, as these case studies show.
Read MoreKaitiakitanga of taonga species
Mere Manning (Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) is an Earth and Space Science teacher at Taradale High School, where she is exploring using both te ao Māori and traditional science perspectives in a new unit.
Read MoreUsing genetics to save kākāpō
Kākāpō numbers have rocketed in the last seven years compared with the previous 20, helped by accurate genetic information that informs conservation decisions. NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone investigates.
Read MoreBioinformatician Alana Alexander
Alana Alexander is a marine evolutionary biologist who studies how sea creatures evolve and change.
Read MoreRepo – 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.
Read MorePest 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.
Read MoreCitizen Science
2023 03 Citizen Science NZASE resource
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