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Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao e-pānui
Pipiri / June 2022
Already, we are in June!
The two stars of Pipiri will be rising to tell us the first lunar month of the Māori year – te tahi o Pipiri – has arrived. Pipiri is a time to gather together in the cold.
The bright stars of Matariki will soon follow, and we hope you enjoy this time of year however you choose to celebrate.
Feature story: Save the Otago Peninsula
Our autumn feature group is Save the Otago Peninsula Inc Soc, or STOP.
We visited the Otago Peninsula for a workshop with NZ Marine Studies Centre in February. Lala Frazer from Save the Otago Peninsula was there and, to our delight, invited us to visit the area she sampled and see the work they do.
Submit an eDNA project proposal
We are currently accepting project proposals from groups wishing to take their eDNA testing further. This is an opportunity for you to build on what you have learned from previous eDNA testing or complement other scientific or cultural environmental monitoring programmes. We can fund up to 24 testing kits per group.
For larger projects, we can match-fund to enable groups to buy higher numbers of discounted testing kits.
Project proposals are due 30 June 2022.
Resources to support you
We have added a new section on the Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao webpage to house resources for participants.
Here you will find recordings of past webinars and written resources, and guides to support your eDNA sampling journey.
Keep an eye out for the new data interpretation resources that complement our “Understanding your eDNA webinar” in July.
Monthly webinars
Register for one of our monthly webinars.
June
Guest speaker: Amy Gault, Wilderlab
Sign up today! 12.30 pm, Thursday 9 June 2022
For the first of our eDNA interest webinars, Amy Gault, environmental scientist and community engagement lead at Wilderlab, shares the science behind the new tools they have been developing with councils around Aotearoa, including the taxon-independent community index (TICI).
July
Understanding your eDNA data
12.30 pm, Wednesday 13 July 2022
When your eDNA results arrive in your inbox, there is a lot of information to digest. This webinar covers data interpretation tips and guidelines, commonly asked questions, and the features of your sample report. There will be time ask your pātai (questions). This webinar is targeted at participants from our autumn sampling intake, but anyone is welcome to attend.
August
StoryMaps and visual storytelling: your results in context
12.30 pm, Wednesday 10 August 2022
Storytelling is a powerful tool for sharing your mahi with a wider audience. This webinar takes you through the basics of using StoryMaps, an online storytelling platform using maps, words and images. We also share ways you can use your Wilderwheel graphic to show what species you discovered, including interactive activities you can do as a group. This webinar is targeted at participants from our autumn sampling intake, but anyone is welcome to attend.
What's happening at the EPA
- We are attending the FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final in early July. We are proudly sponsoring the contest, helping to influence future farming leaders and bringing about the behavioural changes necessary for sustainable farming practices. More on our LinkedIn
- We have published the 465 responses and summary report to the call for information on glyphosate – a chemical used to control weeds. The information we received will better prepare us to assess the European findings in 2023 and consider further actions for New Zealand. Read the responses to the call for information
- Want to find out more about our work at the EPA?
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