Explore every episode of the podcast scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

Wildfires can be devastating for New Zealand’s communities and landscapes and they’re becoming more frequent, with the country experiencing an average of 3400 wildfires annually over the past 31 years, burning 5700 hectares of land. Understanding how wildfires behave is key to helping people prepare for and cope with their impact.    In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Nicola Sulivan speaks to fire ecologist Shana Gross about the Bioeconomy Science Institute's role in supporting firefighters and communities, including publishing national-scale wildfire hazard potential data and developing a toolkit to enhance understanding of wildfire behaviour. Gross also discusses the impact of human activities, climate change and the importance of community preparedness when it comes to wildfires. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

What practical steps can Aotearoa New Zealand take to strengthen its energy security while creating jobs and reducing environmental impacts?  In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Darryl Herron talks with Paul Bennett, Integrated Bioenergy Portfolio Lead at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, about the opportunities for locally produced bioenergy and biofuels. Drawing on New Zealand's existing woody biomass resources, the team is exploring how scalable bioenergy solutions could help reduce the country's long-term fuel insecurity, support regional economic growth, and contribute to a more sustainable future.  Tune in to learn how science is helping unlock New Zealand's bioeconomy potential and what it could mean for our energy future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Developing new plant varieties helps keep consumers interest in crops and also assists growers manage environmental challenges, such as new pests and diseases and changing climates. In this latest "Science life for me” series podcast, scientist and Scigest host Dion Mundy speaks to berry breeder Pauline Kerbiriou about her role, the importance of plant breeding, and the characteristics that breeders look for in a new variety. We also talk to Pauline about her journey so far as a scientist, and share some useful tips for young scientists in their careers. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

The Allan Herbarium houses plant species from around the world, with a particular focus on indigenous and exotic plants of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It contains approximately 800,000 specimens, which include dried plants, lichens, mosses, liverworts, seeds, fruits, wood, liquid-preserved specimens, and microscope slides.   In this Scigest episode, host and scientist Rebecca Bloomer speaks with Allan Herbarium curator Jessie Prebble and collections manager Ines Schonberger about the science, history and global collaborations behind the collection. Jessie shares how the Herbarium supports research and public engagement, while Ines offers insight into the day-to-day work of managing and preserving the collection. Together, they explore the Herbarium’s remarkable history — including specimens collected during Captain Cook’s first voyage — and discuss how these centuries-old collections continue to support modern science, from DNA analysis to biosecurity research. For more information on the collection please see: https://tinyurl.com/Allan-Herbarium To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links mentioned in this podcast please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

As a lover of hoppy beers and the outdoor life, it was natural that plant breeder Kerry Templeton should be tempted to head down from Auckland to Motueka nine years ago to take on the hop breeder role for the Bioeconomy Science Institute. In this latest  podcast in our "Science Life For Me series”, scientist Dion Mundy speaks to Kerry about his life as a hop breeder and also talk hops and the hop industry.

Indigenous trees are vital for environmental health and biodiversity, and Aotearoa New Zealand has bold plans to re-establish them. Scientist and Scigest host Nicola Sullivan talks to invasion ecologist and establishing indigenous forests portfolio lead Tom Carlin about this work and why managing the spread of wilding pines is a key part of it.   For links to a Farmers Weekly podcast on "Bringing down the cost of planting natives" and a Newsroom article on wilding pines in the South Island high country please view our Scigest page for this podcast on: https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/from-the-land

Arctic Apples are one of the first fruits globally developed using gene technologies. Available for consumers in the USA since 2017, the Arctic series includes a modified gene that stops apples browning, making them perfect for a pre-sliced snack. Okanagan Specialty Fruits, the developers of Arctic Apples, are looking at how they can incorporate new gene technologies into their product development. Scientist and podcaster Hilary Ireland talks to their Vice President of Research & Regulatory Affairs, Dr Muhammad Tahir, about the origins and development of this technology, as well as looking at future developments for the technology. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Pasture plays a vital role in many farming systems by providing essential feed for the livestock that support our food and fibre industries. But what we see is just the surface, the health of pasture is intrinsically linked to a family of microorganisms called endophytes that live within plants. In this episode of Scigest, we explore the remarkable role of endophytes and how they influence pasture performance, plant resilience and livestock systems in Aotearoa New Zealand. Scientist and podcaster Dr Jay Jayaraman is joined by principle scientist Dr Linda Johnson, who leads a team of researchers unlocking the potential of these powerful microorganisms, identifying the endophytes best suited to New Zealand’s farming systems. Their work has delivered real-world impact on farms and was recognised with the 2024 Prime Minister’s Science Prize. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Principal Scientist Marlon dos Reis joins host Rebecca Bloomer to explore how the Bioeconomy Science Institute is using advanced technology to help solve a critical bottleneck in the seed industry: the time-consuming and labour-intensive nature of traditional seed quality assessment.  They discuss our collaboration with the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) and the successful development of a system using hyperspectral imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to pre-screen seeds for contaminants. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Aotearoa New Zealand’s next biosecurity threat might not arrive by ship or plane — it could already be in the air. In this episode of scigest, scientist and host Ki-Taurangi Bradford speaks with biosecurity scientist Dr Toni Withers about the invisible wind pathway carrying pests across the Tasman. 
Toni explains how moths, butterflies and plant pathogens can travel vast distances on air currents, how new forecasting models are predicting when and where incursions may occur, and how interceptions on offshore platforms help test these predictions. 

The episode also explores the vital role of volunteer citizen scientists and the use of isotope analysis to trace where intercepted insects originate. Blown Away web pages: https://bit.ly/4q65ZT0. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

Host Dr Hilary Ireland speaks with Dr Bevan Weir about the vital role Aotearoa New Zealand’s nationally significant collections and databases play in protecting biodiversity and strengthening biosecurity. Bevan shares stories that highlight why taxonomy matters — from identifying the pathogen behind kauri dieback and protecting rare underground fungi, to preventing toxic new weeds, safeguarding avocado exports and responding to invasive pests. The conversation explores how centuries-old taxonomic science, combined with modern tools like DNA sequencing, computer vision and data analytics, enables accurate species identification and informed decision-making. Together, these approaches help manage biosecurity risks, support conservation and make these vital national resources accessible to researchers and the wider public. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

We’re celebrating World Soil Day by exploring the vital role soils play in the landscapes, food systems and environmental resilience of Aotearoa New Zealand.   Host Rebecca Bloomer is joined by soil scientist Pierre Roudier, President of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science, to explore how soils support ecosystems, store carbon, manage water, reduce flood risk and even shape urban planning.   Pierre reveals how modern soil science is transforming our understanding of the land — from advanced mapping tools like S-map to new ways of monitoring change. These innovations help guide land-use decisions and protect high-value soils from urban pressure.   The episode also looks ahead to the future of soil science, including soil moisture monitoring, carbon sequestration and viewing soil as a living ecosystem.   We wrap up with an invitation to mark World Soil Day by taking a moment to notice and appreciate the soils beneath our feet. S-Map link: https://smap.landcareresearch.co.nz To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate — later commercialised and marketed by T&G Global as JAZZ™ and ENVY™ apples.   This pioneering work at the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s (formerly DSIR’s) Hawke’s Bay research orchard led to commercial partner T&G Global licensing the varieties and taking them to consumers around the world. Since then, JAZZ™ and ENVY™ apples have enjoyed remarkable global success, reaching consumers in more than 55 countries and earning a reputation as two of the most sought-after premium apple brands in the world.    In this episode of Scigest, we speak to Jemma Whiten, Head of Global Marketing at T&G Global. We dive into the incredible story behind these two apple brands and learn how T&G Global have built enduring and growing consumer demand and supply, with these brands truly standing out on the global stage. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In the spring of 1985, a pivotal breeding cross produced two of New Zealand’s most successful apple varieties —Scifresh and Scilate— later commercialised and marketed by T&G Global as JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples.     This pioneering work at the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s (formerly DSIR’s) Hawke’s Bay research orchard led to commercial partner T&G Global licensing the varieties and taking them to consumers around the world. Since then, JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples have enjoyed remarkable global success, reaching consumers in more than 55 countries and earning a reputation as two of the most sought-after premium apple brands in the world.    In this episode of Scigest, we dive into the incredible story behind these two varieties with Bioeconomy Science Institute apple breeder Dr Richard Volz and hear about the dedication, passion, and years of scientific research that goes into breeding apples that truly stand out on the global stage.  To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

When you go to the supermarket, you’ll find lots of different varieties of fruits and vegetables. Many people have a favourite apple, kiwifruit, potato or tomato variety, something that tastes particularly good or fits with their lifestyle. What you probably don’t realise is that behind each of these varieties is a whole suite of protection for the breeder, the grower and the marketer, giving them certain legal rights. Emma Brown is the General Manager, Plant Varieties at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, and her team works to make sure each variety coming out of the breeding programmes has the right protection to deliver the best impact for everyone along the supply chain.   To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Feed people, not landfill. Around 30% of food grown for human consumption never gets eaten, yet thousands still go hungry. What role does food rescue play in resolving the conundrum of providing healthy, enjoyable, affordable nutrition within Planetary Boundaries? In this episode host Roger Robson-Williams chats with Iain Lees-Galloway, the General Manager of the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance. They discuss the relationship between humans and the environment, and they celebrate the work of volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand who are making a difference for people struggling to put food on the table — a win for hungry kids and a win for the planet. 

From shellfish and seaweeds to tiny amphipods, biofouling is the stubborn layer of life that clings to boats and marine structures, creating costly maintenance challenges. While some chemical treatments can help control biofouling, many of these chemicals pose risks to other marine life. This week, host Julie Blommaert speaks with Research Technologist Peter Bell about his research into smarter, safer ways to tackle biofouling and how what’s often dismissed as “brown sludge” could be put to good use. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

How do you take a brilliant scientific idea and turn it into something that makes a real difference in the world? The answer often starts with intellectual property (IP).   For decades, Plant & Food Research, part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, has been protecting and growing the value of its science through IP, helping discoveries move from the lab to industry and society, establishing the organisation as a leader in intellectual asset protection within Aotearoa New Zealand’s science sector.   In this episode, host and scientist Hilary Ireland chats with recently retired Intellectual Property Manager, Sue Muggleston, about how IP has shaped science at Plant & Food Research. Together, they explore the role of IP in supporting science, the lessons learned along the way, and why strong IP protection will remain essential for future research success. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

What is sustainability, and how can businesses contribute to it? Why do many larger organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand align with the Sustainable Business Council (SBC)?   In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams is joined by Jay Crangle and Mike Burrell from the SBC to explore these questions, sparked by the recent merger of four Crown Research Institutes into the new Bioeconomy Science Institute—an organisation of over 2,000 people with an annual revenue of around $0.5 billion.   Jay and Mike share their personal journeys into sustainability, how their work at the SBC reflects their values, and what Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and the Star Wars universe can teach us about shaping a more sustainable future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Securing intellectual property (IP) for our research is now a vital aspect of science delivery in Aotearoa New Zealand, though this was not always the case. In this episode of Scigest, Hilary Ireland speaks with Sue Muggleston, the recently retired IP Manager at Plant & Food Research, who played a key role in shaping the organisation’s approach to protecting and commercialising its scientific discoveries. With a career spanning science, science communication, and leading the IP strategy at Plant & Food Research, Sue has been instrumental in launching technologies and spin-offs that benefit both businesses and the scientific community. She shares her insights into the importance of securing IP for translating discoveries into real-world impact. Sue also reflects on her leadership role with the Licensing Executives Society Australia and New Zealand (LESANZ), and discusses how effective IP frameworks support innovation, foster start-ups, and encourage ongoing scientific investment. If you’ve ever wondered how groundbreaking science transitions to the real world — and why protecting it is essential — this is the episode for you. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Mealybugs may be tiny, but they’re causing big problems for Aotearoa New Zealand’s wine industry by spreading the destructive Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3).  In this episode of Scigest, host and scientist Nicola Sullivan chats with fellow scientist Michelle Thompson about her Endeavour Fund research exploring whether some grapevines are naturally better at defending themselves against these pests.  With support from Lincoln University, Michelle’s team is using an ultra-fine gold wire and a technique called electropenetrography to track how mealybugs feed on Sauvignon blanc grapevines. The goal? To develop smart, resilient rootstocks that help future-proof our vineyards.  Hit play to explore the science that could help future-proof your favourite vintage. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In this episode of Scigest, we delve into the fascinating and ever-evolving world of utilising artificial intelligence in science. Host and senior scientist Dr Jay Jayaraman chats with researcher Sarah Philp-Wright about her work on developing novel plant proteins with the help of AI. They discuss powerful tools such as RoseTTAFold, AlphaFold, and RFdiffusion, and their potential to reshape agriculture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of food and the science behind it—although some knowledge of molecular plant science may be beneficial! To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Grab a cuppa and prepare to be recharged by this high-energy chat with Dr Vicky Foster about the British sugar industry. Vicky has held various leadership roles within the UK food system, most recently as Head of the British Beet Research Organisation. In this episode of People|Planet|Food, host Roger Robson-Williams talks with Vicky about how the resilient sugar beet plant turns sunlight into sweetness. They also explore the innovative ways in which the co-products of sugar beet processing – such as soil, stones, pulp, and waste heat – are repurposed to create a surprisingly integrated and sustainable industry. Throughout the conversation, Vicky shares inspiring insights from her career journey to date. Enjoy this sweet treat! To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Fancy a sprinkle of positivity? Then check out this conversation with Sarah Lei, Head of Sustainability at Trevelyan's Pack & Cool Ltd., an understated leader in the kiwifruit industry. Hear from Sarah about how her experience as an engineer and yoga teacher informs her approach to making a large kiwifruit packhouse an exemplar of sustainable business in action. Challenges include upgrading ageing refrigeration, improving energy use efficiency, and reducing waste to landfill. All of this requires a team approach with buy-in from the whole Trevelyan workforce. Creating a more environmentally restorative food system one tray of kiwifruit at a time! To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, head to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

What does it take to deliver sustainable livelihoods for growers, green international shipping, and support healthy nutrition around the globe? In this episode of People Planet Food, host Roger Robson-Williams  talks to Rachel Depree, Executive Officer for Sustainability at Zespri International – the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit – to explore these and other topics.   Rachel shares her journey to leading sustainability in one of Aotearoa’s biggest export industries and offers thoughtful insights on the environmental and social responsibilities facing global horticulture today. For more information about sustainability initiatives at Zespri see: www.zespri.com/en-NZ/zespri-sustainability.   To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, head to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

The skin of fruit serves more than just a protective barrier; it acts as nature’s packaging—the first element we notice, touch, and often judge. In this episode, scientist and host Hilary Ireland chats with molecular scientist Mikaela Douglas to explore what lies beneath the surface of fruit skins. They discuss how genetic research is enabling scientists to refine the appearance, texture, and functionality of fruit skins to better appeal to consumers, enhance health benefits, reduce pesticide use, and minimise food waste. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Food futurist Jack Bobo joins scientist Hilary Ireland to explore the future of food production. From the impact of agriculture on the planet to the promise of new technologies like gene editing, Jack shares insights on how we can build sustainable food systems while earning consumer trust. With a background in law, policy and behavioural science, he unpacks the role of communication in shifting perceptions and tackling misinformation about what we eat and how it’s made. To view our full catalogue of podcasts please see our Scigest pages at: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

Most growers and home gardeners don't view thrips positively, but perhaps we could change your perspective. This week, data scientist and podcaster Tom Moore speaks to entomologist Mette Nielsen about her career in entomology, particularly her research on the many species of thrips in Aotearoa New Zealand. Correction: in this podcast we incorrectly state that the editor of the book "Advances in biocontrol of crop insect pests" was Trevor Jackson, this should have been Travis Glare. To find out more about the book see: https://shop.bdspublishing.com/store/bds/detail/workgroup/3-190-138077. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Most people are already familiar with products like oat milk and almond butter, but what about barley yoghurt? Scientists at Plant & Food Research are developing a new plant-based product: yoghurt made from barley grain.    In this week's podcast, scientist and podcast host Rebecca Campbell speaks to food scientist Gert-Jan Moggre about this exciting project. The research involves trials using plant-based bacterial fermentation to create a delicious and well-textured yoghurt alternative. This dairy-free yoghurt offers numerous benefits, including being high in dietary fibre, producing less waste, and being more sustainable to produce. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food - Host Roger Robson-Williams speaks with sustainability experts Saskia Verraes and Martin Rich about the future they aspire to create through their work. They discuss the encouraging signs of progress in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the globe. Amid rising illiberalism, increasing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and an unstable climate, this episode offers a chance to reflect on how we can cultivate a more prosperous future for everyone. It also celebrates some of the outstanding initiatives already in progress. This episode serves as an invitation to hope and take action. To explore our full catalogue of podcasts, visit our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.

Gene editing is a new technology with the potential to breed new crops faster. With changing regulations worldwide on how gene editing can be incorporated into food production systems, what does it actually take to gene edit a plant crop?   This week Scigest host and scientist Jay Jayaraman speaks to Zac Hanley, GM Science – New Cultivar Innovation about the science of gene editing plants. They talk about the process of gene editing, some of the challenges in using the technology and how gene editing could help develop the plant varieties of the future. For more about the use of gene technologies in food production, see https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/gene-technologies. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food – In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams chats with friend and colleague Stephen Wallace, Sustainability Manager at AgResearch and Plant & Food Research, Stephen shares his journey into sustainability, sparked by a passion for the environment and early efforts to combat food waste in the workplace. He offers insights into his collaborations with senior leadership to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and vehicles, emphasising the importance of reducing gross emissions and the role of carbon offsetting in climate strategies. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how individuals can contribute to a healthier planet, ensuring thriving ecosystems and healthy, sustainable food for all. To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Success in international development projects requires not only a variety of skills, including project management, people, and technical skills, but also a commitment to see jobs through and meet every challenge, which can be considerable in some of the less developed regions around the world. In this podcast, scientist and podcaster Hilary Ireland speaks to international development specialist Suzie Newman about her role in leading the successful International Development Team at Plant & Food Research.  To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food – in this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams delves into the innovative world of modern steam power with Jack Donaldson from Mackwell and Co., a Christchurch-based start-up pioneering advanced steam technology for farm machinery. Together, they explore how replacing diesel with biomass could revolutionise energy use in food production, offering a sustainable and resilient alternative. The conversation spans the future of energy for businesses and communities, the surprising potential of steam engines in enhancing energy sovereignty, and the importance of equipping future generations with the tools and skills to thrive in a changing world. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion about rethinking power in the food system. To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Cellular agriculture is an evolving technology where animal meat is grown in a lab using just their cells. This process is potentially an important way of producing animal protein in a sustainable and ethical manner. Plant & Food Research are exploring this technology to grow fish meat and is an important part of our overall fish research at our Nelson site where this recording is from. This week Scigest host and scientist Julie Blommaert speaks to Georgina Dowd about her research on cellular agriculture, the risk and rewards and also the potential for this technology in the future. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Geoinformatics is the analysis of spatial data using technology to understand and solve real-world problems. Scientist and Scigest podcast host Dion Mundy speaks to fellow Scientist Rebecca Campbell about her journey into geoinformatics and her expertise in analysing spatial aspects of data. Rebecca also talks about her experience as a recipient of the prestigious MBIE Science Whitinga Fellowship and the benefits that this Fellowship has provided her in her career so far. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Plant elicitors have huge potential to help protect New Zealand crops from disease. Acting much like a vaccine, these elicitors allow plants to defend themselves better against disease. Coming from a biological source like seaweed, they offer a more ecologically friendly crop protection option, too. This week James Sainsbury from our Ruakura site speaks to Dr Joel Vanneste about his research on the recently Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-funded, 5-year project on plant elicitors led by Dr Marie Magnuson and Chris Glasson from Waikato University. Listen along to learn more about plant elicitors and how they could help manage plant diseases, whether in crops or our native trees. To view our catalogue of podcasts, including extra links on some podcasts, please go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food - Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Mike Casey, about producing cherries without using fossil fuels and running a charity called Rewiring Aotearoa. They discuss what it takes to build a fully electrified orchard and the emerging opportunities for farmers and growers to help address growing demand for renewable power. Mike explains how Rewiring Aotearoa is helping kiwis save money on energy bills, reduce their carbon emissions, and have the resilience to keep their lights on and homes warm. This episode highlights the changing relationship between energy, food production, and the everyday decisions we all make about how to live our lives. For further information on Rewiring Aotearoa see: www.rewiring.nz To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

AI has captured everyone’s attention and clearly has the potential to be a very important tool for our scientists in the future, but there are still a lot of learnings about the benefits and risks of this technology. Podcaster James Sainsbury speaks to Data Scientist Sam Birch about two projects that utilise computer vision, a field making heavy use of the recent improvements in AI. They discuss how this technology has benefited his work and why, like all tools, it still needs to be used with care and awareness of its limitations.   For more information on AI and data science from some of our data science team please listen to a previous podcast,  “A leap into data science” https://www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/article/a-leap-into-data-science. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food - Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Catherine Leeper, a Learning Advisor at Climate Action Campus Ōtautahi, about the importance of empowering rangatahi (young people) to take action on climate change. Catherine talks about her farming roots, her journey to Aotearoa New Zealand, and the initiatives of the Climate Action Campus, particularly in educating students about sustainability and promoting fairer, healthier, and environmentally restorative futures. They explore the importance of this for improving the mental health of our children and teenagers. Catherine also shares some of the awesome sustainability hacks she’s practising in her family life. To learn more please see: www.climateaction.school.nz. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Aotearoa New Zealand has many native solitary bees, but not much is known about them. In this Scigest episode, newly-minted podcaster and apiculture scientist James Sainsbury speaks to entomologist Anna Kokeny about her research on our little-known native bees. They also discuss Anna's career journey and share tips for budding scientists. Anna is a dedicated science communicator and has joined the scigest team as our podcaster based at our Hawkes Bay site. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

People | Planet | Food - Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Kate Meyer, Founder and CEO of the Planetary Accounting Network (PAN). This small not-for-profit organisation from Wānaka is dedicated to translating cutting-edge earth systems science into actionable plans that help individuals, businesses, and governments operate within global environmental limits. Kate shares her journey from avid skier to the creator of Planetary Accounting, a scientifically robust method for understanding how to live within our fair share of the planet’s finite resources. We also explore the potential of 'Planetary Facts' labels on food and other products and discuss how this New Zealand start-up is impacting policy discussions across Europe. To learn more please see: www.planetaryaccounting.org/planetary-facts. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Over the last 25 years, genetic techniques have rapidly evolved. In this episode of Scigest, scientists Blue Plunkett and Dr Revel Drummond provide a brief guide to the latest gene technologies. What is a null segregant? What is CRISPR-Cas9? How do these cutting-edge tools differ from earlier GMO technologies? Note: Since we recorded this Dame Juliet Gerrard who is mentioned in the podcast has left the role of Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

For nearly 40 years, retiring scientist Rob Agnew has dedicated his career to logging and analysing the changing weather patterns in the Marlborough region. In this episode of Scigest, our new podcaster, Dion Mundy, sits down with Rob Agnew to explore his impactful career from his work in protecting the wine industry through meteorological trend studies, forecasting, and examining the long-term effects of climate change. Rob also shares insights from his role as the author of VineFacts, a crucial resource for wine growers since its inception in 1997. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the intersection of science and viticulture. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Redback spiders have established populations in Central Otago and Taranaki, posing a threat to human health and taonga native species such as the critically endangered Cromwell chafer beetle. We talk to Chemist Dr Andrew Twidle, who is leading the development of a pheromone tool to eradicate these invasive redback spiders, the first attempt in the world to control pest spiders using pheromones. The project is supported by Lincoln University, local iwi, and the Department of Conservation. Find more of our biosecurity, disease, and insect science Scigest podcasts on our website: www.plantandfood.com/en-nz/biosecurity-disease-and-insect-science. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Join us for the latest insights from a comprehensive global study on consumer preferences, following up on our initial Future Urban Consumer podcast from October last year. Understanding consumer attitudes is crucial when developing new food technologies and farming systems. Plant & Food Research's Future Urban Consumer programme delves into how consumers in Aotearoa New Zealand, and international markets perceive emerging food technologies and the factors influencing these perceptions. In this episode, Hilary Ireland interviews social scientist Brian Lin to explore recent findings from the research, highlighting the benefits of combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Listen to the first part of this series at http://www.plantandfood.com/article/the-future-urban-consumer, or find it in your podcast provider's Scigest list from October 13, 2023. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In this episode of People | Planet | Food, Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Brendan O’Connell, Chief Executive of AgritechNZ, to discuss the role of agritech in creating a healthier, fairer, and more environmentally friendly food system. Brendan shares his perspective on what agritech is, how it can help, and how AgritechNZ supports a diverse range of businesses operating in this area. Together, they delve into the potential of agritech, the challenges of its adoption, and the potential unintended consequences if it's not used wisely. As always with People | Planet | Food, they also explore what we all can do to ensure we have healthy people living on a healthy planet and consuming nutritious food. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

New technologies are essential in helping scientists and growers combat vine diseases in vineyards. This week, podcaster and data scientist Tom Moore interviews vine doctor Dion Mundy about his latest research on plant disease monitoring, disease identification, and modelling for future climate changes. Dion was one of our first interviews on Scigest five years ago, and we are delighted he has joined the Scigest podcast team and will be recording some of the exciting science stories emerging from our Marlborough (viticulture) and Motueka (berries, hops, and kiwifruit) sites. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

Plant & Food Research's Nelson site is home to Aotearoa New Zealand's largest flume tank, an innovative facility that allows scientists to test and develop new technologies in both simulated open ocean and controlled laboratory environments. In this week's podcast, Julie Blommaert sits down with fellow scientists Suzy Black and Louise Kregting to discuss the exciting research applications of the new flume tank. Their conversation covers a range of topics, including advancements in aquatic design, open ocean aquaculture, sustainable seafood capture, and harvesting technology. This episode is Julie’s third podcast with the Nelson team, her last interview being with Suzy on mobile aquaculture in February 2024. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra links on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest

In this episode of the People | Planet | Food podcast series, host Roger Robson-Williams talks to Martin Rich, a former investment banker turned Chief Executive of the UK’s Future-Fit Foundation. Martin shares his journey from international finance to earth systems science and doughnut economics and explains why he now leads a sustainability charity. Roger and Martin discuss what it means for organisations to become future-fit and why this is important for the food system. They also explore what we all can do to ensure we have healthy people living on a healthy planet and consuming nutritious food. To view our full catalogue of podcasts including extra information on some podcasts please go to our Scigest pages: www.plantandfood.com/scigest.