Turning the tide on biodiversity loss—will we make it?
Conservation Lecture
with Professor Jacqueline Beggs, Professor in Ecology, University of Auckland.
Trinity Methodist Church, 864 Beach Rd, Waiake
7.00pm Sunday 17 November
New Zealand was one of the last large land masses to be colonised by humans, so the consequences of human arrival are still playing out and a good deal of our native biota and ecosystems are threatened. In New Zealand, one of the main threats are invasive species, but there are many other pressures such as agricultural expansion and climate change. Although we have made progress in managing some pest species, there remain many challenges and it is clear that we will need new strategies if we want to ensure our biodiversity and ecosystems are here for future generations to enjoy. Using examples from her involvement with conservation research, from the iconic kākāpō (nocturnal, ground parrot), to the ecology and control of introduced social wasps Professor Beggs will discuss the key challenges for conservation in New Zealand. She will also draw on some international initiatives that seek to engage a greater diversity of people in conservation.
Jacqueline Beggs is a Professor in Ecology at the University of Auckland. Her research has focussed on the ecology and control of invasive wasps, but she has also worked on kākā, kererū, kākāpō, and a range of invertebrates. This has resulted in more than 90 refereed scientific papers. Jacqueline is the Director of the Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity at the University of Auckland and leads the Sustainable Future research theme for the Faculty of Science. Jacqueline is a member of the Department of Conservation’s kākāpō recovery group and was a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on biosecurity.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.9% Critical thinking
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29.6% Resilience and adaptability
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2.8% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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