News

News and updates about our research, outreach and engagement

Marine ecotourism webinar WEB

Posted on 14 December 2021

Covid-19, integrity and ‘blue washing’ – marine ecotourism operators share their thoughts and concerns for the future

As the nation gears up to explore their own backyard this summer, the country’s tourism industry is firmly focused on developing more sustainable ways to host domestic and international visitors.

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Growing marine ecotourism
Credit: Dive Tutukaka

Posted on 30 November 2021

Marine ecotourism is supporting tourism industry to build back better

As the first official day of summer kicks off tomorrow and the nation gears up to explore their own backyard, the country’s tourism industry is firmly focused on developing more…

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Mussel beds at Tonga Island Marine Reserve

Posted on 14 May 2020

Free Zoom backgrounds for Earth Day

This Earth Day, we’re celebrating our favourite place on the planet – the ocean.

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agrisea credit dave allen resize

Posted on 24 September 2019

Identifying 'blue economy' opportunities

Blue economy businesses are growing in New Zealand, but what opportunities are on the horizon? A blue economy is made up of marine activities that generate economic value and contribute positively…

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kaikoura DSC1702 credit dave allen NIWA

Posted on 17 April 2019

Towards a stronger Kaikōura: a community event

Kaikōura community members gathered on 10 April to hear from National Science Challenge researchers who have been working in the area since the 2016 quake.

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Dusky dolphins South Island Coast Feb 2018 credit Lana Young

Posted on 24 October 2018

Marlborough students promoting marine protection

In mid-October, Challenge researchers met a pioneering group of students from Marlborough Girls’ College to celebrate their efforts in environmental sustainability and invite them to attend the upcoming Sustainable Seas Annual…

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Media coverage banner

Posted on 28 February 2018

Media coverage in February 2018

'Seaworthy' scientists outrun ex-Cyclone Gita as they flee SoundsStuffProfessor Steve Wing from Otago University and the team working on ecosystem connectivity were in the news during Cyclone Gita Ships seek refuge from ex-cyclone GitaMarlborough…

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Dusky dolphins South Island Coast Feb 2018 credit Lana Young

Posted on 26 February 2018

Blog: Lana Young from RV Polaris II (week 2)

Lana, a student at the University of Otago, reports on life at sea and the fieldwork being done for our Ecosystem Connectivity project. This is her first research voyage.

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Everyone enjoying sunset

Posted on 14 February 2018

Blog: Lana Young from RV Polaris II (week 1)

Lana, a student at the University of Otago, reports on life at sea and the fieldwork being done for our Ecosystem Connectivity project. This is her first research voyage.

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Mudflats Credit Lundquist NIWA 2018
Credit: Lundquist NIWA 2018

Posted on 29 March 2017

National estuary experiment gets off the (muddy) ground

Field work has begun for a national study assessing the potential risks and consequences of nutrient and sediment runoff on marine ecosystems.

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Sunrise Kaikoura Credit Dave Allen NIWA
Credit: Dave Allen NIWA

Posted on 20 February 2017

RV Polaris II: photo diary, part 2

Alex Connolly, MSc student at University of Otago, shares a photo diary of her first research voyage, on the RV Polaris II.

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Kaikoura rocky coat Credit Dave Allen NIWA
Credit: Dave Allen NIWA

Posted on 15 February 2017

RV Polaris II: photo diary, part 1

Alex Connolly, an MSc student at University of Otago, shares a photo diary of her first research voyage, on board RV Polaris II.

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