Aotearoa New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity evolved in isolation and much is globally unique. We curate national and Pacific collections of biodiversity on land (plants, invertebrates, fungi, and microorganisms), and our research helps users understand and value its richness, observe changes and risks from exotic species, and find new uses for biological materials. Our research provides understanding of how ecosystems function, the threats they face, and how they can be restored. The potential for Māori whānau, hapū, and iwi to generate economic returns from indigenous plants continues to be a strong area of interest.
We contribute to national biosecurity through providing capability and confidence in assessing biological threats and using control tools – especially at landscape scales – for weeds, pests, predators, and diseases.