Janet Grieve Session

This special session is to recognise the contributions of Janet Grieve to Marine Science in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Chairs: Scott Nodder, Kareen Schnabel

This special session will provide a forum for researchers who are biological and physical oceanographers, focussing on interactions between biological, physical and chemical marine systems, as well as those who are interested in the taxonomy of crustaceans and planktonic zooplankton. Holistic research that improves understanding of how ocean physics (e.g., mixing, upwelling) interacts and impacts marine ecosystem structure and function and plankton systematics will also be presented. The importance of taxonomy in progressing knowledge about biogeochemical processes will also be represented. Taxonomic studies that combine traditional descriptive methods with novel genomic techniques will be encouraged. Finally, the talks in the session will provide a fitting testament to the outstanding contributions made by Janet Grieve to New Zealand marine science.  Any questions please contact: kareen.schnabel@earthsciences.nz

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Whakarongo, Titiro and Kōrero: mātauranga and western science for kaitiakitanga

 

Chairs:   Howard Reti (Ngāti Wai; Ngāpuhi; Mohimohi Moana Foundation), Robert Carpenter (Ngāti Wai; Mohimohi Moana Foundation), Matt Pinkerton (Earth Sciences New Zealand)

This session will explore how mātauranga and western science can work together for the stewardship and restoration of marine resources. We invite presentations offering a hāpu perspective of working with marine scientists. Whakarongo (listen), Titiro (look/observe), and Kōrero (speak) is a fundamental Māori pedagogical approach and research methodology emphasizing active listening and observation before speaking. It prioritizes learning through immersion, developing understanding of context, and building respectful relationships before engaging in discussion. Please share your experiences of Whakarongo, Titiro and Kōrero in mātauranga and western research, and thoughts on how it can help address the challenge of coastal conservation and rebuilding ecosystem resilience in Aotearoa.

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Rakiura Student Research Programme

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Chair: Rob Lewis

Students who have taken part in this programme will be presenting their research findings.

For the past two years the NZMSC have been running a science extension school programme with students based in Southland on Rakiura where we get the students to conduct their own research transect using a variety of sample methods (subtotal monitoring, plankton sampling, strip transects etc.). The programme is focused on supporting gifted or passionate students and nurturing their interest in the field by immersing them in as realistic a project as possible. The students stay residentially on the island, learn the collection methods, and then work with us on the analysis and understanding what their data means (as well its limitations). All the data also filters into ongoing participatory projects and is made available to the scientific community via platforms like iNaturalist. 

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VR Session - BLAKE

​Also included in this year's programme there will be a VR session which focuses on the Subantarctic Islands.

Alice McCullough and Emma Carroll 

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Exploring the Subantarctic Islands through Virtual Reality

BLAKE, in partnership with New Zealand Geographic, have developed an immersive virtual reality education tool (NZ-VR) that enables users to experience Aotearoa’s coastal and marine environments from beneath the surface. The programme provides virtual access to some of Aotearoa’s most remote and vulnerable marine ecosystems, supporting increased understanding, engagement, and a sense of kaitiakitanga, particularly for audiences who may otherwise have limited opportunities to experience these environments firsthand.

Attendees will be guided through a lesson-style VR experience, a rare opportunity to explore the Subantarctic Islands, Maukahuka Auckland Island and Moutere Hauriri Bounty Islands, and to learn about taonga species such as Tohorā Southern Right Whale.

Lead scientific research of the Tohorā, Dr Emma Caroll, of Auckland University will co-present, sharing insights from her and her research team’s work on the Tohorā, with a particular focus on long-term research conducted in the Auckland Islands. Her contribution will highlight how cutting-edge marine science can be effectively translated into engaging, accessible learning experiences through immersive technology, strengthening the connection between research, education, and conservation outcomes.

The session will be relevant to marine scientists, educators, and science communicators interested in innovative approaches to outreach, equitable access to marine environments, and fostering marine kaitiakitanga through VR technology.

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