Connected Land, Water, and Life

Our research connects biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity across systems at scales from atoms to the globe, to ensure sustainable ecosystem function.

Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science

Our research connects biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity across systems at scales from atoms to the globe, to ensure sustainable ecosystem function. We have particular research strength in native forests, agricultural systems, wetlands, lakes and rivers, estuaries, and marine ecosystems, as well as the energy, water, carbon and nutrients that flow between them.

Below you will find some of our recent research to better understand ecosystem function and health, along with the staff who contribute to the Connected Land, Water, and Life research theme. Please don't hesitate to get in contact with any of our research staff if you'd like more information or if you think that there might be an opportunity for a new research partnership.

Recent research highlights

kakahi

What is the best method for iwi to monitor kākahi populations in their lakes?

pacific dating

Why are we still unable to refine the chronology of NZ colonisation beyond a three tiered model of time?

peclet c s

Can hydraulic design explain patterns of leaf water isotopic enrichment in C3 plants?

eco index c nologo s

BioHeritage Eco-index researchers are harnessing current knowledge in new ways with the goal of restoring our natural heritage – ngā taonga katoa. Does this make it better or worse?

lusk rockslide bottom c s

Understanding the role of mycorrhizas and soil nutrient stoichiometry in shaping forest patterns across the south temperate zone.

shari loreal c s

Congratulations to Shari Gallop!

Explore more of our research

Staff contributing to this research theme

Dr Aaron Wall
Dr Aaron Wall

Senior Research Officer

Associate Professor Adam Hartland
Associate Professor Adam Hartland

Associate Professor

Dr Andrew Barnes
Dr Andrew Barnes

Senior Lecturer

Professor Brendan Hicks
Professor Brendan Hicks

Adjunct Professor

Associate Professor Charles Lee
Associate Professor Charles Lee

Director of Environmental Research Institute

Professor Christopher Battershill
Professor Christopher Battershill

Director of Science - Tauranga

Dr Chrissie Painting
Dr Chrissie Painting

Senior Lecturer

Associate Professor Chris Lusk
Associate Professor Chris Lusk

Associate Professor

Professor Conrad Pilditch
Professor Conrad Pilditch

Adjunct Professor Marine Science CP

Professor David Lowe
Professor David Lowe

Emeritus Professor

Associate Professor Fiona Petchey
Associate Professor Fiona Petchey

Associate Professor

Dr Hazel Needham
Dr Hazel Needham

Deputy Academic Team Leader- Marine Science and Aquaculture

Associate Professor Ian Duggan
Associate Professor Ian Duggan

Deputy Team Leader of Ecology, Biology and Animal Behaviour

Associate Professor Joanne Ellis
Associate Professor Joanne Ellis

Academic Team Leader of Marine Science and Aquaculture

Associate Professor Julia Mullarney
Associate Professor Julia Mullarney

Academic Team Co-Leader of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Professor Karin Bryan
Professor Karin Bryan

Adjunct Professor Marine Science KB

Dr Kiri Joy Wallace
Dr Kiri Joy Wallace

Research Fellow

Professor Margaret Barbour
Professor Margaret Barbour

Dean of Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science

Professor Michele Prinsep
Professor Michele Prinsep

Academic Team Leader of Chemistry and Applied Physics

Associate Professor Mike Clearwater
Associate Professor Mike Clearwater

Academic Team Leader of Ecology, Biology and Animal

Dr Rebecca Lawton
Dr Rebecca Lawton

Senior Lecturer

Dr Tanya O'Neill
Dr Tanya O'Neill

Senior Research Fellow