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Wai Tūwhera o te Taiao e-pānui
Pipiri / June
Nau mai haere mai ki te pānui tuarua mō te kaupapa Wai Tūwhera o te Taiao. Welcome to the second edition of our monthly newsletter for Wai Tūwhera o te Taiao – Open Waters Aotearoa.
At the end of Haratua / May, Wilderlab processed the first wave of sample results, and the data was shared with the groups that submitted their sample. You can check out the new, publicly available data on the Wilderlab map when you filter by date.
The deadline for your sample submission was 1 June, so we hope to have your data to you by early July. If you were not able to get your sample to the lab on time, please get in touch with us at eDNA@epa.govt.nz.
We hope you enjoy this exciting part of your journey and you take the time to explore and share your results as you wish.
We look forward to connecting with you again soon,
Wai Tūwhera o te Taiao team at the EPA
Ngā Kaimanaaki o te Waimapihi / Polhill Protectors focus on stream health
After receiving their eDNA results, Ngā Kaimanaaki o te Waimapihi / Polhill Protectors have been increasing their focus on stream health, exploring the biodiversity, history and whakapapa of a stream that flows beneath Wellington City.
Share your story
If you would like to contribute a story, photos, art, or reflections to this e-pānui, please get in touch with our Science Communicator at eDNA@epa.govt.nz.
Critter of the month
This month, the pouched lamprey / kanakana / piharau (Geotria australis) is crowned critter of the month.
The DNA of this elusive and ancient migratory fish was found in a wetland area on the West Coast by the Ōkārito Native Plant Nursery.
What's new
Last month, all participants should have received their kits, and these are slowly flowing back into the lab. Make sure you fill out the submission form after you take your sample.
It’s up to you whether you make your data publicly available on the map. You can decide at this point, or later.
Fill out the form on the Wilderlab website
Upcoming drop-in sessions
We are now holding one drop-in session a fortnight. Our next session will be held on 9 June at 1pm.
Future drop-in sessions:
7.00 pm, 23 June
1.00 pm, 7 July
In the second half of July we will be inviting you to a regional online hui to share your feedback, stories, and ideas that have come from receiving your sample results.
What's on at the EPA
The EPA is hosting a "Sharing Shed" at Fieldays at Mystery Creek, Ōhaupo, from 16-19 June. We are offering free haircuts in exchange for conversation about environmental protection. If you’re attending Fieldays come and see us! You can book in a "Cutz and Kōrero" appointment online or just drop in. Our exhibit also features an eDNA information stand.
Book a Cutz and Kōrero appointment
Learn more about Fieldays
We’ll be hosting a stand at the "Fresh Waterways" Te Papa whānau day on 26 June so we can share our mahi with the public.
We'll be at Ngā Here, Many Connections, a Forest and Bird Youth networking event on 7 July at Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Campus. If you’re in Wellington, come along to find out more about what’s happening within the environment sector.
We are calling for information on glyphosate, a chemical used domestically and internationally since the 1970s to control weeds.
Find out more on our website
Te Pūtara is our bi-monthly newsletter featuring more news and updates about what we do at the EPA.
Check out Te Pūtara e pānui
News and reminders
- All samples should now be sent to Wilderlab in the pre-addressed bag included with your eDNA kit. If you have not filled out the lab submission form please do so now, as it provides us with essential information for getting your results to you.
Fill out the lab submission form
- If you made your sample data private and have explored it with your community, hapū or group, you may wish to share it more widely. Please get in touch if you would like to make your data publicly available on the map.
Get in touch with us
