Scientists are measuring a huge unknown in climate science: how much heat Antarctica emits into space.

To do this, Earth Sciences New Zealand and the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center (USA) are looking at far infrared radiation.

Principal Climate Scientist Dr Sam Dean says far infrared radiation makes up about half of the heat emitted by the Earth's surface.

"Far infrared radiation contributes to global warming via the greenhouse effect, particularly through water vapour, which is increasing in the atmosphere as a response to global warming. The more greenhouse gases and water vapour there are, the more far‑infrared radiation is trapped in the atmosphere, and the more the planet warms," said Dr Dean.

Earth Sciences NZ has just deployed an instrument called an Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) to Antarctica, on loan from the U.S. Department of Energy. It will take novel observations of atmospheric infrared radiation, as well as constituents like greenhouse gases, over the next 12 months.

These ground‑based AERI measurements are being made in conjunction with NASA's PREFIRE mission – twin, shoebox‑sized satellites that are orbiting the Earth and taking the same measurements of the poles from above. The satellites were launched from Māhia Peninsula by Rocket Lab in May and June 2024.

"AERI will look up as the PREFIRE satellites look down – something that's never been done in Antarctica before. Warming over Antarctica is a great concern as it may combine with warming oceans to accelerate ice melt, something already being seen in Greenland," said Dr Dean.

Morgan Connaughton, VP – Communications at Rocket Lab, said it's exciting to see New Zealand scientists contributing to a globally important study leveraging spacecraft launched from right here in Aotearoa.

"Rocket Lab has launched many climate‑focused missions, but being part of a mission that sees Kiwi scientists use data from satellites launched from home soil is particularly special. Space has an enormous role to play in how we better understand our planet and our impact on it. With the ability to build and launch spacecraft, and talented scientists and engineers to undertake groundbreaking studies, New Zealand is ideally positioned to be a leader in space science," said Ms Connaughton.

Earth's poles are pivotal for helping maintain the planet's temperature. Heating from the Sun mostly occurs in the tropics, where weather systems and oceans act to transport that heat polewards. Over Antarctica, heat is then strongly radiated to space.

"It's vital we understand more about the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere above Antarctica and whether there are changes in the radiation to space. Our observations will allow for testing of scientific models of the greenhouse effect above Antarctica to make sure they're correct, helping us to better predict how climate change will affect our polar regions, and vice versa," he said.

Professor Tristan L'Ecuyer of the University of Wisconsin said the lack of far‑infrared measurements has limited our knowledge of the Antarctic greenhouse effect that influences ice sheet temperature, melting and refreezing, and, ultimately, global sea level.

"This collaboration between NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy and Earth Sciences New Zealand fills an important need for measurements from the ground to compliment the PREFIRE measurements and support polar climate studies," he said.

This work is part of a larger international collaboration known as SHIRE: The Southern Hemisphere polar Infrared Radiation Experiment. The AERI instrument has been provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility, with Earth Sciences NZ and the University of Canterbury deploying several additional instruments to Antarctica in the coming weeks in support of SHIRE.

With support from Antarctica New Zealand, AERI will be deployed at Scott Base until at least October 2026.

Key points

• Cryogenics underpins many cutting‑edge new technologies such as quantum computing and sustainable aviation fuel development
• UC's new CryoLab is the only cryogenics research team in New Zealand that combines cutting edge R&D in cryogenic refrigeration, and consulting to industry in cryogenics, fluids and thermodynamics.

A new CryoLab opening at UC will strengthen New Zealand's capability in cryogenic research, consulting, and emerging technologies.

Opening this afternoon [3 December] in Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Department of Mechanical Engineering, the CryoLab will become Aotearoa New Zealand's only research group combining cutting‑edge cryogenic refrigeration research and development as well as consulting to industry in cryogenics, fluids and thermodynamics. University of Canterbury (UC) Principal Researcher Dr Alan Caughley will give a presentation at the opening, 'At the Cryo‑Tech Frontier', and guests will then tour the new lab facilities.

Following the disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation's Christchurch‑based cryogenics operations, UC has provided a new home for the CryoLab team and its specialised equipment. The facility will support consulting for industry requirements and research opportunities for master's and PhD students.

"CryoLab represents a powerful opportunity for collaboration between academia and industry," Professor Stefanie Gutschmidt, Head of UC's Mechanical Engineering Department, says. "The expertise of our researchers, combined with strong partnerships across the engineering and aerospace sectors, means we can accelerate innovation in areas that matter for Aotearoa and the world. We're proud to provide a permanent home for this highly specialised capability."

"Cryogenics is a key enabler for technologies that rely on extremely low temperatures, including MRI scanners, superconductors, night‑vision systems, low‑noise sensors, satellites, space telescopes, biological storage, quantum computing and cryogenic fuels such as liquefied natural gas and liquid hydrogen — an emerging sustainable aviation fuel that must also be cooled to temperatures below –250 °C."

CryoLab's flagship research programme focuses on providing cooling for a superconducting motor intended to power electric aircraft. The motor aims to replace conventional jet engines, enabling major efficiency gains while working with liquid hydrogen as a clean fuel. This technology is significant for New Zealand's growing aerospace sector and contributes to global efforts to electrify aviation.

Dr Alan Caughley, Principal Researcher at CryoLab, says cryogenics underpins the development of other cutting‑edge technologies. "Cryogenics has increasingly become part of high‑tech conversations. Over the past few decades it has become a crucial enabler for superconductors, night‑vision systems, low‑noise sensors, satellites, space telescopes, biological storage and quantum computing — made possible through small‑scale mechanical cryocoolers."

"In the early 2000s, our Christchurch cryogenics programme developed a mid‑sized, mid‑temperature cryogenic refrigerator robust enough to operate 24/7 in electrical power environments — technology that is now central to Christchurch‑based company Fabrum's cryogenics business. Our team later contributed to superconducting motor development for electric aviation."

"The new CryoLab at UC allows us to continue this trajectory, advancing the superconducting aircraft motor project and supporting a wide range of consulting work powered by our expertise in fluids, thermodynamics, and modelling."

UC researchers are using AI and open datasets to create affordable, accurate elevation maps that will help communities plan and adapt to a changing climate.

Researchers Xiandong Cai and Professor Matthew Wilson from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's (UC) Toi Hangarau | Geospatial Research Institute have developed a deep‑learning model called Joint Spatial Propagation Super‑Resolution (JSPSR) that uses AI to dramatically enhance global satellite elevation data.

Professor Wilson says the team's goal is to democratise access to accurate elevation data. "AI allows us to achieve high accuracy and good spatial resolution using open satellite data that is accessible to everyone."

High‑quality elevation data is essential for planning everything from flood modelling to infrastructure design, agriculture and renewable‑energy development. Currently, the most accurate option is Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), which provides exceptional detail, but for many nations it is too expensive and logistically demanding, requiring specialised aircraft, equipment and technical capability.

Governments across much of Africa, Asia and the Pacific currently rely on basic global satellite elevation datasets that lack the fine‑scale detail needed for reliable modelling of landscapes and waterways.

Addressing this gap, JSPSR uses AI to generate high‑resolution, bare‑earth digital elevation models (DEMs) using only open satellite data and modest computing power.

Early results show that the JSPSR model can deliver a ten‑fold improvement in spatial resolution, and around a 72 % improvement in elevation accuracy, compared to the basic datasets. In addition, JSPSR delivers 1.05 m Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), vertical accuracy from 30 m input data, and up to four times faster processing than the widely used Enhanced Deep Residual Networks for Single Image Super‑Resolution (EDSR) method.

Cai says, "while the new technology is not a replacement for LiDAR, JSPSR provides far more accurate elevation information than current free satellite datasets at a fraction of the cost of LiDAR. This could transform flood‑risk mapping and environmental planning for districts or countries that currently lack the resources to capture LiDAR data. Our ongoing work aims to further refine and validate the model so it can be applied reliably across global landscapes."

Potential applications include:

- Infrastructure and Urban Planning: Flood‑risk assessment, stormwater design, transport planning.

- Agriculture and Land Management: Irrigation modelling, erosion monitoring, precision agriculture.

- Environmental Monitoring and Climate Resilience: Sea‑level rise modelling, habitat mapping, carbon‑stock estimation.

- Energy and Renewable Development: Hydrological modelling, hydro site design, renewable generation planning.

The research exemplifies the goals of the AI for Good movement, led by the International Telecommunication Union, which encourages the use of AI to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Wilson says, "by making high‑quality terrain data affordable and accessible, the UC team's work supports global efforts to strengthen climate resilience, reduce inequalities and enable sustainable infrastructure development in regions that need it most."

The project is part of UC's expanding AI and geospatial research portfolio, which brings together experts across engineering, environmental science and computer science to solve some of the most pressing problems facing humanity. Together, these teams are demonstrating how advanced AI methods can be applied for global benefit, turning complex data science into powerful tools for sustainable development.

UC environmental microbiologist wins prestigious UC Research Medal for leading research and inspiring new discoveries from Earth's most extreme environments.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) environmental microbiologist Professor Matthew Stott is one of the few scientists in Aotearoa New Zealand who studies life in the planet's most hostile environments, from boiling hot springs to the icy slopes of Antarctica.

Described as the Indiana Jones of New Zealand microbiology, Professor Stott calls his field "extreme microbiology", but his colleagues jokingly call it "adventure microbiology."

"I get to go to amazing places, places few people have ever been, and study organisms that survive where almost nothing else can," he says. "It's a real privilege to see life thriving under such extreme conditions."

Alongside his research achievements, Professor Stott is recognised for his leadership and commitment to supporting emerging scientists. He encourages young researchers to stay curious, embrace challenges and collaborate widely.

"Take small steps, each one leads to something bigger," he says. "Surround yourself with smart people, be embrace criticism, and use it to make your research stronger."

His fieldwork has taken him from Yellowstone National Park to deep‑sea hydrothermal vents, and he has recently returned from Mount Erebus in Antarctica, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The expedition investigated microorganisms that flourish amid sub‑zero ice and volcanic heat, offering clues about how life adapts to extreme change.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, he leads studies of geothermal microbes that are transforming understanding of biodiversity and resilience. Among his team's most significant findings is the discovery of a new class of phospholipid, a special fat molecule that forms the protective outer layer of every living cell and is essential for life. The molecule, found within a bacterium from a North Island hot spring, is only the third of its kind ever identified.

"Phospholipids were first discovered in the 1880s," he says. "To find a new one more than a century later, and in an organism from our own geothermal systems, was incredibly exciting."

Building on this work, he led the 1000 Springs Project, an ambitious survey of nearly 1,000 geothermal springs across Aotearoa New Zealand. The research revealed thousands of previously unknown microorganisms and shed new light on the delicate balance of geothermal ecosystems.

Professor Stott's research extends beyond discovery to partnership and sustainability. Working with Tohara North Number 2 Trust, he and his collaborators are developing a bioreactor that uses native microorganisms to convert greenhouse gases from geothermal power stations into useful products.

"Our partnership combines science and mātauranga Māori to create solutions that benefit people, the planet and future generations," he says.

Professor Stott's international leadership, pioneering discoveries and dedication to nurturing future researchers have earned him the 2025 University of Canterbury Research Medal, the University's highest academic honour for research excellence.

Citation – Professor Matthew Stott

The University of Canterbury recognises Professor Matthew Stott for outstanding research excellence, leadership and impact in environmental microbiology.

A global authority on extremophiles, Professor Stott investigates how microorganisms survive and function in some of Earth's most hostile environments and how these capabilities can support conservation and sustainable technologies.

Professor Stott has published around 100 peer‑reviewed papers in leading international journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, PNAS, Nature Microbiology, and The ISME Journal. His collaborative approach is reflected in the breadth of his partnerships, with most of his research produced alongside international colleagues.

Since joining UC in 2017 (after establishing an extremophiles laboratory at GNS Science), Professor Stott has supervised seven PhD, two MPhil and 17 MSc students to completion. He continues to mentor postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers whose work contributes to New Zealand and international science communities.

His work spans discovery to application, revealing the microbial diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand. Highlights include the discovery of a previously unknown class of phospholipid—a type of cell membrane molecule in a heat‑loving New Zealand microorganism; the 1000 Springs Project, which mapped microbial diversity across nearly 1,000 geothermal springs; the identification of the first methane‑eating microorganism that can live only in acidic environments; and evidence that Aotearoa New Zealand harbours the world's first endemic bacterial genus, a discovery that challenges the current understanding of the biogeography of microorganisms.

He also co‑develops iwi‑led programmes, notably working with Tohara North Number 2 Trust, he and his collaborators are developing bioreactor technologies that use native microorganisms to convert geothermal greenhouse gases into useful products, an exemplar of science and mātauranga Māori in partnership.

He serves his field through leadership roles with the International Committee on the Systematics of Prokaryotes, Bergey's Manual Trust (associate member), the New Zealand Microbial Ecology Consortium (co‑convener), and the Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Panel.

Professor Stott's sustained, high‑quality scholarship, intellectual leadership, mentorship and partnership with Māori exemplify the values recognised by the University of Canterbury Research Medal.

Earth Sciences New Zealand Chair, David Smol, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Palmer as Chief Executive of the organisation, with effect from 2 March 2026.

"James's experience, which covers the key areas of core science for Earth Sciences NZ, coupled with his extensive leadership background, made him an ideal candidate. The Board is delighted with his appointment," said Mr Smol.

Mr Palmer has been Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) since March 2023. He is also the chair of the Climate Change Interagency Executive Board, a member of the National Hazards Board and co‑chair of the guardians of the Aotearoa Circle.

Before becoming CE of MfE, Mr Palmer was Chief Executive of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council. During this time, he was extensively involved in freshwater and resource management reform, as well as being responsible for regional state of environment monitoring, flood and coastal management, and civil defence.

Prior to this, he was Deputy Secretary Sector Strategy at MfE, Director of Strategy, Systems and Science Policy at the Ministry for Primary Industries, Director Strategy Development at the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Fisheries, and a Research Fellow with the Ecologic Foundation. Palmer has also been involved in the electricity industry, including in developing wind and hydro resources.

He has served as a board member of both the Sustainable Seas and Deep South national science challenges, a member of the Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group, and held advisory roles with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and the Foundation for Arable Research.

Mr Palmer has extensive experience in leading reforms of the environmental management system and collaborating with local government, iwi and industry groups to develop innovative solutions to natural resource management challenges.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Earth Sciences NZ at this exciting time," he said. "The combined capabilities and scale of the new organisation will enable greater insights and solutions to New Zealand's hazard and natural resource challenges and create new opportunities to innovate and support economic growth. ESNZ is also well positioned to make an even greater contribution to key areas of science and innovation on the global stage."

David Smol also acknowledged the exceptional leadership of John Morgan as Transition Chief Executive of ESNZ since its formation on 1 July 2025, a role which will continue until Mr Palmer commences on 2 March 2026.

"John and his team have made huge progress on the merger of GNS and NIWA in a very short time, particularly given the size and complexity of the two organisations," said Mr Smol.

"Interim radiocarbon dating results have been released ahead of the final archaeological report, offering significant insights into the waka discovered at Site CH744 on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island." said Glenis Philip‑Barbara, Pou Mataaho o Te Hua Deputy Secretary Delivery and Investment, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Lead Archaeologist Dr Justin Maxwell, Sunrise Archaeology says "recent archaeological research has suggested that the first arrival of people on Rēkohu occurred between 1450 and 1650 AD. Additional evidence from ancient peat samples shows that significant changes to the environment began after 1500 AD."

"The newly obtained interim dating results include:

- Short‑lived materials: Most results show narrow ranges between 1440 and 1470 AD, indicating this as the likely growth period of these plant tissues.

- Cordage sample: One piece of cordage predates 1415 AD.

- Bottle gourd: A sample suggests cultivation around 1400 AD or earlier. This is the first known bottle gourd found in an archaeological site on Chatham Island.

"Short‑lived local plant materials tested are of similar age and suggest the cultural layer surrounding the waka was formed shortly after its arrival."

"Testing short‑lived plant materials is important to get accurate dates for a find such as this. We don't want to date the timbers because trees can live for a long time. Radiocarbon dates obtained from wood can be much older than the event we are interested in – which is when this waka was in use."

"Together, these findings point to the arrival of the waka on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island between 1440 and 1470 AD. It is important to note that nearly all dated samples from the waka were on short‑lived materials, such as cordage that may have been replaced over time. Some materials were older, suggesting the main components of the waka itself could be considerably older than the dated items," Maxwell says.

"The final report released by February 2026 will provide finalised radiocarbon results with further analysis and context. These interim results mark a significant milestone in understanding the early settlement and cultural history of Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island," Glenis Philip‑Barbara concludes.

Seventeen UC projects have won $10.9m from the 2025 Marsden Fund to support groundbreaking research across science, technology and society over three years. 

Nine University of Canterbury (UC) research projects have received 2025 Marsden Standard grants, securing nearly $8 million in total to pursue pioneering projects across science, technology and the humanities. 

Among them, a groundbreaking study led by Biological Sciences Associate Professor Heather Hendrickson will receive a $941,000 Marsden Standard grant to explore a newly discovered piece of DNA that could transform our understanding of genetics and help protect honeybees.  

The research focuses on a mobile genetic element, nicknamed a “hitcher,” that can move between bacterial genomes in a way scientists have never seen before. Found in bacteria that infect honeybees, the hitcher carries a powerful toxin gene and replicates with extraordinary precision.  

“Understanding how this genetic element moves and spreads could open the door to new tools for gene delivery in microbes. That has exciting potential applications across biotechnology, agriculture and pest control,” Associate Professor Hendrickson says. 

The project will also investigate how this hitchhiker impacts the health of honeybee larvae, offering new insights into American Foulbrood (AFB)—a devastating disease that costs New Zealand’s apiculture industry around $5 million each year. By uncovering how these bacterial systems work, the research could help reduce reliance on harmful chemicals and antibiotics while supporting honeybee health and environmental sustainability. 

Eight early-career UC researchers have been awarded 2025 Marsden Fast-Start grants, each receiving $360,000 over three years to pursue innovative projects across science, technology and social research. Their studies range from developing smarter traffic systems and sustainable economic models to advancing solar cell materials, virtual touch design and lung disease detection. Other projects explore how language is learned, how stimulant drugs affect problem-solving, and how mathematics can improve experimental design, demonstrating UC’s strong support for emerging researchers tackling diverse global challenges. 

Established by the New Zealand Government in 1994 and administered by Royal Society Te Apārangi, the Marsden Fund supports world-class fundamental research led by Aotearoa New Zealand’s top researchers. The fund encourages bold, innovative ideas that can lead to new technologies, boost economic growth and enhance quality of life. 

The Marsden Fund Standard grants support both established and emerging researchers for up to three years, with flexible funding based on project needs. 

The nine UC recipients of the 2025 Marsden Standard grants are: 

• Professor Brendon Bradley - The emergent distribution of extreme earthquake-induced ground motions from physics-based modelling. ($941,000) 
• Dr Angus Lindsay - Finally treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy as a diabetic disease. ($941,000) 
• Professor Jamie Shulmeister and Dr Leighton Watson - What New Zealand’s glaciers reveal about global climate change and local mountain building over the last 800,000 years. ($919,000) 
• Associate Professor Geertrui Van de Voorde - New geometric perspectives for error-correcting codes. ($683,000) 
• Professor Jason Tylianakis - Do crop pests and pathogens find safety in numbers? ($941,000) 
• Associate Professor Heather Hendrickson - Unlocking a New Genetic Tool to Protect Honeybees and Advance Biotechnology. ($941,000) 
• Professor Jen Hay - What is a phoneme and how many does New Zealand English have? ($853,000) 
• Associate Professor Michael Albrow - Shedding light on the dark components of the Galaxy. ($944,000) 
• Associate Professor Catherine Theys - Mapping brain changes in stuttering following Parkinson's disease and functional movement disorders. ($853,000) 

The Marsden Fast-Start grants are designed for early-career researchers within seven years of completing their PhD, providing $120,000 per year for three years.  

The eight UC recipients of the 2025 Marsden Fast-Start grants are:  

• Dr Philipp Wacker - Using mathematics to design more efficient experiments. ($360,000) 
• Dr Edward Linscott - Hunting for novel solar cell materials with advanced quantum-mechanical simulations. ($360,000) 
• Dr Donald Degraen - Designing Touch: Combining 3D Printing and Virtual Reality to Create Objects with Realistic Touch Sensations. ($360,000) 
• Dr Rebecca Bodeker - Investigating the revival of adaptive problem solving via stimulant drugs. ($360,000) 
• Dr Wai Wong - Smart Traffic Lights: Using Connected and Automated Vehicles to Improve New Zealand’s Roads. ($360,000) 
• Dr Wakayo Mattingley - Understanding factors that underpin individual variation in the very earliest stages of adult language acquisition. ($360,000)  
• Dr Oindrila Bhattacharya - Saving for the Future by Saving the Planet - A Climate-Change Adaptation Framework based in Economic Psychology. ($360,000) 
• Dr Ella Guy - Classification of lung disease using normal breathing data through an at-home device to support patient decision making and disease management. ($360,000) 

Aotearoa New Zealand – The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand welcomes the end of animal genetic engineering trials that have taken place at AgResearch’s Ruakura facility for more than two decades.
 
“These experiments caused immense animal suffering and should never have been allowed to happen,” said Charles Hyland, chair of Soil & Health.

The Association applauds GE Free NZ for exposing the scale of the harm. Their report, based on AgResearch’s own annual statements, documents spontaneous abortions, cancers, deformities and other adverse effects on cattle, sheep and goats.

“After 25 years and tens of thousands of dollars of public money, these experiments have delivered no benefits,” Hyland said. “We are deeply concerned they could resume if the proposed Gene Technology Bill is passed. Animals must not be subjected to such cruelty again.”

“New Zealanders – and our overseas markets – expect high animal welfare standards and food that is healthy, ethical and safe. The future lies in organic and sustainable food and farming.” 

The GE Animal experimental field trials have ended in failure.  The disastrous trials have come at the cost of years of cruelty to the animals.

The trials involving hundreds of animals over two decades have been largely kept under the radar from public scrutiny, but as of June 2025, the AgResearch Annual Report to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) show there are no GE animals surviving in the New Zealand Ruakura field trials. [1]

The data sourced from AgResearch’s Ruakura facility annual reports have been compiled in 'The GE Animals Report 2014-2025' [2] which summarises, of genetic engineering trials on a range of farm animals in New Zealand. The earlier report GE Animals the First Fifteen years 2000-2015 showed the same inhumane issues arising. [3]

The report documents years of adverse outcomes like spontaneous abortions, cancers, deformities and sterility that the GE animals suffered and raises serious ethical concerns about why the GE animal experimentation was ever allowed. 

 “This is an unacceptable level of inhumanity to sentient animals,” said Claire Bleakley, president of GE Free NZ, who compiled the report findings. “Sadly, the cruelty has been allowed to continue for 25 years. There has been little ethical constraint on the objectives of profit and patents allowing the scientific realities to be ignored.”

 Although the GE animals have now all been terminated, there is concern that a new wave of cruel experiments will commence under The Gene Technology Bill with no regulatory oversight of ethics or animal welfare.

 All the scientific information on the failed outcomes of the 20 field trials was excluded from consideration by MPs on the Health Select Committee and was never considered by MBIE or the Technology Advisory Group when The Gene Technology Bill was drafted. [4]  

 "The authors of the Bill were told such evidence did not exist on any of the 20 field trials.  This means that the Select Committee and government members were not briefed on the failures, misery and distress to animals or the deleterious effect on New Zealand's reputation and trade relationships," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ. 

This dark history of cruel animal experiments reinforces the need for a ban on GE animals and the need for the highest ethical global practices to be part of New Zealand legislation. 

 Keeping New Zealand GE-Free aligns with the values of people who prioritise ethical standards and want to see New Zealand lead by example in both innovation and compassion towards animals. 

 References:

[1] https://www.epa.govt.nz/database-search/hsno-application-register/view/erma200223/

[2]GE Animals in New Zealand 2010 – 2025: Part 2 – The second fifteen years. https://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/Uploads/GE-Animals-in-NZ-Part-2-FIN-WEB.pdf

[3] GE Animals The first Fifteen Years https://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/pdf/GE-Animals-in-New-Zealand.pdf

[4] Ref: DOIA-REQ-0008002- https://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Response-letter.pdf

New Zealand could lead the world in using nature’s viral defenders—bacteriophages—to protect food systems and reduce reliance on antibiotics and agrichemicals.  

Microbiologist Associate Professor Heather Hendrickson is leading ground-breaking research into bacteriophages—natural viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. Based at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), her work focuses on protecting honeybees and farmed salmon from serious bacterial diseases without relying on antibiotics or chemicals.

“About 80% of antibiotics globally are used in primary industries,” says Associate Professor Hendrickson. “We want to pivot away from that kind of use and replace it with natural biocontrols like phages – and perhaps one day even explore their medical use.”  

The research, funded through an MBIE Endeavour programme, also involves Professor Peter Fineran from the University of Otago, who is applying phage science to combat plant diseases affecting fruit, including cherries.  

Phages are highly specific, targeting only harmful bacteria and leaving beneficial microbes intact. By combining different phages in ‘cocktails,’ researchers can also reduce the chance of bacterial resistance.  

“You can think of phages like a shield or armour you apply in advance of being exposed to pathogens,” Associate Professor Hendrickson says. “While we’ve only discovered maybe 30 or 40 classes of antibiotics there are a trillion bacteriophages for every grain of sand on the planet, and ten times more phages than bacteria. They are an untapped natural resource already in the soil, water, and even on our skin — they’re all around us.”  

New Zealand’s $5 billion horticulture and aquaculture sectors stand to benefit from the work. 

For the past seven years, Associate Professor Hendrickson has been investigating phage-based solutions for protecting honeybee populations—vital pollinators that support around 80% of the fruits and vegetables we eat and are often called New Zealand’s most important livestock.  

In New Zealand, honeybee hives are under threat from American foulbrood (AFB), a bacterial disease that kills larvae. Because antibiotics and chemical treatments are not permitted, any sign of AFB requires infected hives to be destroyed by fire—an outcome that can be devastating for beekeepers.  

To date, Hendrickson’s team has received over 400 hive samples from across the country and identified phages capable of killing 96% of the AFB-causing bacteria. “We need to test how best to apply these phages to hives and explore the most effective combinations,” she says. “But we have a really strong group of phages that we’re excited to take into the next phase of development.” 

The aquaculture industry is also searching for alternatives to antibiotics, especially in salmon farming. One of Hendrickson’s postdoctoral researchers has discovered a “super phage” with strong potential to combat a pathogen of concern for the sector.  

“Ideally, we’d like some duplication of phages, so we still have more hunting to do, which is ongoing in the lab,” she says.  

Her research team works closely with industry partners to determine the most effective and scalable strategies: Phage application methods are tailored to where the pathogen is found. If a pathogen infects the gut, for instance, phages are likely incorporated into feed. If it affects the skin, fish may be dosed in a bath early in development.   

“It’s predicted that by 2050 more people will die of antibiotic-resistant infections than of cancer,” Associate Professor Hendrickson says. “One day we might be able to see phages being used to save human lives here in New Zealand.”  

The research could see a homegrown biotech sector, creating new jobs and capability in Aotearoa. 

The Government's newly appointed chief science advisor Mr John Roche, must have the courage to advise and deprioritise investments in New Zealand GE trials that have failed to deliver.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, as quoted in the NZ Herald has said

"I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren’t delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised.

It's about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders." [1]

This points directly to being honest and aware about the poor performance of all New Zealand field trials of genetically engineered / modified organisms.  After 25 years and the millions of dollars of public funds given to GE at the expense of other research and development (R&D) sectors, none of the outcomes provide any solutions to help advance farmers productivity. [2]

"The areas that need courageous advice and halting of investment should be focused toward the failure of the NZ GE field trials" said Claire Bleakley, president of GE Free NZ "To date, every New Zealand GE field trial has failed and not delivered on investment.  Investing and supporting existing traditional non-GE cultivars that are being used today would have to greatest value, impact  and public good for New Zealanders."

New Zealand benefits from diverse farming practices using high performing mixed pastures, grass fed animals and humane husbandry practices with superior animal breeds that are resistant to foot rot and worms.  Organic milk produced from grass fed animals with no pesticides used or GE in the product chain is attracting a premium for milk solids of $11.50-$12.50/kg. [3] 

The new Chief Scientist should recommend aligning research investment with the existing value food chain to preserve New Zealand’s healthy, high quality food that is GE Free.

Safe, natural food is what the consumers in export markets want and a marketing advantage for New Zealand.

This is threatened by deregulation in the Gene Technology Bill. If we lose our export advantage it harms the regional and rural sector economy which currently benefit from the export market and consumer choice for GE-free produce. The concerns about the Gene Technology Bill are reflected in the petition by Lisa Er which closes on 17 June. [4]

The Prime Minister has asked for Mr Roche's advice. He should support the recommendations of independent watchdog Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility (PSGRNZ) to set up an inquiry into The Gene Technology Bill and for major changes to the science funding system. [4]

References

[1] https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/john-roche-named-as-prime-ministers-new-chief-science-adviser/

[2] https://www.gefree.org.nz/gm-annual-reports/

[3] https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/markets/organic-farmers-in-for-record-payout-from-fonterra/

[4] https://petitions.parliament.nz/b64831bc-b0b2-4518-a62d-08dd708a9825

[5] https://psgr.org.nz/component/jdownloads/send/1-root/175-gene-tech-reforms-hijack-democracy-2025

Eye-tracking technology will be used in new University of Canterbury research, comparing the skills of forensic scientists with ‘super-matcher’ novices. 

The study led by Dr Bethany Growns, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), will explore how these two groups process visual information during tasks such as fingerprint-matching. 

The world-first research has recently been awarded a 2024 Te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden Fund Fast-Start grant of $360,000 over the next three years.  

Forensic scientists train for years to achieve exceptional performance in identifying and comparing visual patterns such as fingerprints, faces and the microscopic marks made on a bullet when it is fired from a gun. But, Dr Growns says a group known as ‘super-matchers’, are ordinary people with a rare talent that allows them to excel in these tasks without any relevant training or experience. 

“This project will investigate how trained experts and untrained super-matchers use visual information,” she says. “Both groups are very accurate at pattern-matching tasks but they excel in very different ways.  

“Forensic scientists learn special strategies where they compare patterns slowly, deliberately and feature-by-feature, while super-matchers seem to use a different strategy altogether. The theory is that super-matchers may process sensory information in a way that allows them to quickly and intuitively recognise and compare patterns,” she says. 

“Trained experts like forensic scientists also process sensory information in a unique way compared to novices, but it’s unclear whether these abilities arise after years of training or experience in firearms, fingerprint and facial comparison, or whether they may also be the result of a pre-existing perceptual skill.” 

The international research team will use behavioural and eye-tracking experiments to understand the information processing strategies and techniques used by each group, and identify the cognitive mechanisms involved.  

Dr Growns hopes the project will shed light on how human perception works, and could influence future training programmes in forensic science, medicine or border security. 

“Our work is about trying to improve performance and outcomes in the criminal justice system to avoid errors and potential miscarriages of justice,” she says. 

The Marsden-funded project builds on another recent study, also led by Dr Growns, which found that facial comparison, fingerprint and firearms examiners are better than novices at matching visual patterns even in areas outside what they have trained and specialised in. For example, fingerprint examiners not only outperformed face and firearms examiners as well as novices in their own area of expertise, they also outperformed novices in face and firearms pattern-matching.  

The findings suggest some forensic science examiners have a generalisable skill for pattern matching. This goes against earlier research that has found that many experts only excel in tasks that they have extensive experience in.  

“This is exciting, new research showing that forensic examiners are a special group of experts that have some level of generalisable and transferable skill outside their domain of expertise,” Dr Growns says.  

The new project comparing forensic experts and super-matchers is one of 10 UC projects to receive Marsden Fund grants this year worth a combined $7.34 million over the next three years.  

Take a test here to find out if you could be a super-matcher