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: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.5% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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