Robyn Simcock
Robyn Simcock
Dr Robyn Simcock was part of the winning project team for the NZ Institute of Landscape Architects ‘He Iti Pounamu’ category (small ideas with significant outcomes) for an innovation in creating root zones for native forest regeneration at the O Mahurangi Penlink highway, Auckland. Robyn worked with the O Mahurangi–Penlink Alliance (through Waka Kotahi involvement) to bring and adapt this method from mining to highways, something significantly more complicated than initially envisaged. This active rehabilitation process will result in greater ecological resilience to drought and water stresses, and result in a more natural ecosystem type in the long term.
Suzie Greenhalgh
Suzie Greenhalgh
Dr Suzie Greenhalgh was a co-author of a 2022 article that was recently announced as the NZ National Champion for the Frontiers Planet Prize 2024. The paper, titled “Social-ecological connections across land, water, and sea demand a reprioritization of environmental management” is one of 23 National Champions selected. The Frontiers Planet Prize celebrates breakthroughs in Earth system and planetary science that address these challenges and enable society to stay within the safe boundaries of the planet’s ecosystem.
Bev Clarkson
Bev Clarkson
Research Associate Dr Bev Clarkson was recently awarded the University of Waikato Medal. The award recognises University and Community service at a local or regional level. In this case, the award specifically recognises Bev’s substantial and exemplary contribution to understanding and protecting New Zealand’s landscapes and ecology in her work on wetland care and restoration.
Melissa Robson-Williams and Nikki Harcourt
Nikki Harcourt and Melissa Robson-Williams
Dr Melissa Robson-Williams and Dr Nikki Harcourt’s 2023 paper titled “Achieving societal collaboration and impact in Aotearoa-New Zealand through transdisciplinarity” was recognised and selected for inclusion in the 2023 Tour d’Horizon of Literature from the Swiss Academy of Arts and Sciences. The panel highlighted the quality of the paper, specifically identifying the discussion of how mātauranga Māori and Western science currently interact and outlining the social and environmental consequences when mātauranga Māori is marginalised.