Home11 February 2026
Rangahau Rising 2025 speakers from left, Dr John Ramana, Dr Alexa Byers, Dr Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu, Dr Sarah Inwood and Dr Laureline Rossignaud.
In July 2025, we launched Rangahau Rising, a new monthly webinar series spotlighting emerging researchers who are asking bold questions and exploring new directions in bioprotection.
After several years working as postdoctoral fellows, five researchers from Tranche 1 stepped forward to share their work, bringing fresh voices and ideas to how we understand and respond to biological threats across Aotearoa New Zealand’s productive and natural landscapes.
Each researcher attracted an audience reflective of the topic being explored. Across the inaugural series, attendees spanned councils, industry, academia and community reflecting the many ways bioprotection research connects into our practice.
For many of the presenters, the impact was most visible in the conversations that followed their talks. Dr Sarah Inwood (University of Otago) shared, “The questions I got during the Q&A were some of the best ones I’ve had after speaking. I suspect the audience I got with this talk was one of the most relevant I’ve had, which is great.”
Dr Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu (Bioeconomy Science Institute) reflected on how the engagement extended beyond the session itself.
“Many people said they enjoyed my presentation and were keen to see the shotgun sequencing dataset that I hinted at the end of my talk. A couple of people who attended from Auckland Council, have also been in touch to discuss Myrtaceae protection in the region.”
Rangahau Rising is intentionally structured to centre emerging researchers to share their work and contribute to conversations about safeguarding Aotearoa New Zealand’s productive and natural landscapes.
Rangahau Rising 2026 begins 18 March at 1:00PM with Dr Nils Birkholz.
Rangahau Rising returns in March 2026, opening with a webinar from Dr Nils Birkholz (University of Otago). His presentation will cover some of his research exploring bacterial–phage interactions, building fundamental knowledge with possible applications in plant disease management.
The 2026 series will reflect the diverse topics and perspectives shaping bioprotection in Aotearoa New Zealand, as explored by emerging researchers across the programme.
Additional Information
- Register
To join the first webinar of 2026 with Dr Nils Birkholz (University of Otago), register here.
- About the Series
To learn more about Rangahau Rising, register for upcoming webinars and see past speakers, visit the webinar page.