Evan Brenton-Rule

During his PhD Evan followed his passion for the natural world through scientific research of invasive species.

He also explored the legal and policy aspects of this work at the School of Law.

“Firstly, I researched invasive species science involving honey bees and their diseases. Then I questioned how legal regulation can be modified to better manage the risk posed by invasive species.

“The impact of invasive species cuts across a whole range of disciplines, from economics and ecology, to law and sociology. I want to be involved in how our society will manage the risk that they pose.”

Great opportunities

Throughout his study, Evan visited many places around New Zealand and overseas, including the beech forests in the South Island’s national parks, the subtropical beaches in Northland, and Malaysia and France, where he presented at conferences.

“The opportunity to spend, cumulatively, several months doing fieldwork in Golden Bay, Nelson Lakes National Park and Northland has been spectacular.

“Wellington is compact, so it’s easy to get places, but there is also a huge amount to do. The physical environment is epic with great ocean and forest that you can really get into.”

Beyond university

“I’m currently an Adviser at New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries. I help to manage risks posed by agricultural chemicals to public health, primary produce, animal welfare and agricultural security.”