Minister of Science, Research and Innovation, Hon Dr Megan Woods and MWLR board chair Mr Colin Dawson formally open the new buildings.
On a beautiful Selwyn autumn day, MWLR welcomed back Minister of Science, Research and Innovation, Hon Dr Megan Woods, to cut the ribbon to formally open the buildings. Dr Woods first turned the soil on the project in 2019.
Addressing assembled visitors and staff, Dr Woods highlighted how important our scientists are at a time in history when disinformation is so prevalent.
“The need for our scientists and researchers to act as a critic and conscience is of utmost importance, whether it is rebutting climate change scepticism, testing received wisdom or challenging unfounded interpretations of history.”
For newly appointed MWLR board chair Mr Colin Dawson, the formal opening was his first opportunity to tour the campus and meet the Lincoln-based staff.
“The name of the building, Te Rauhītanga, translates as Our Gathering Place. This signifies Manaaki Whenua’s commitment to working together, across the science sector, across the globe, and with our partners and communities in Aotearoa.
“And we will all need to work together to address the increasingly difficult challenges faced by our natural environment and society,” he said.
Mr Dawson said the building opening also coincided with a Te Tiriti o Waitangi focused pathway the organisation is taking with regards to its biological collections and databases. “It is important that we commit to some action, and that are activities are consistent with that commitment.”
Dr Richard Gordon, CEO of Manaaki Whenua, said the shared workspaces were areas designed especially for collaborative project work to embrace shared research activities.
“The building project was carefully designed to maximise the organisation’s science excellence and science impact for New Zealand. We drew up some key overall ambitions for the building, especially making sure our scientists and support staff could thrive in these new facilities. That in turn, we are confident will lead to better science outcomes for New Zealand, better integration between us and our stakeholders, and better engagement with the public.”
As the Crown Research Institute responsible for our land environment and biodiversity, Manaaki Whenua’s role and responsibility to New Zealand is to ensure all New Zealanders have the knowledge, understanding and tools to truly live in harmony with our land: enjoying its many gifts, preserving its unique diversity, and enriching it through our creativity, care, industry and culture.
The Manaaki Whenua building at our Lincoln site