Young families, recent graduates and alumni of all ages gathered at the University’s research partner Zealandia for a day of activities, including sailing on Zealandia’s electric boat and hearing from PhD researchers about their work with kākā and tuatara.
The annual event offers alumni a discounted entry fee which goes toward the University’s Tuatara Research Fund, and this year raised more than $4000 to enable PhD candidates like Pete Alexander to carry out his research on tuatara in the field. Pete said the funding helps the researchers purchase vital specialist equipment and supports transportation costs to study tuatara in remote areas of Aotearoa.
Pete, who is studying his PhD at the School of Biological Sciences, gave a talk on how environmental changes influence the reproductive ecology of tuatara and how that impacts the population.
Another PhD candidate, Tirth Vaishnav, discussed the seasonal variation in the foraging ecology of kākā, and how they adapt their behaviour to feed on native and exotic food resources. He also discussed the nocturnal activities of kākā and shared what it’s like to visit Zealandia at night with kiwi casually walking the trails!
Both researchers drew large crowds who had lots of questions, providing a valuable opportunity for them to share their knowledge with the public out in the field, surrounded by their research subjects.
Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Nicola Nelson says supporting opportunities for the public to learn and engage with the world-leading research is crucial. “Events like these provide a chance to show our alumni community how the work our researchers are doing has a positive impact for people and the environment.
“We are grateful to our alumni for their continued support of the Tuatara Research Fund which funds research into the ongoing survival and management of these ancient reptiles,” she says.
Donate here to contribute to the Tuatara Research Fund and learn more about research at the School of Biological Sciences.