Thursday, 7 December: Farming Forward: Innovative Strategies for Weed Management

Posted on by

Speaker: Dan Bloomer

Date: Thursday, 7 December 2023 from 5.45 pm

Venue: Pacific Surf Club (26 Marine Parade, Bluff Hill, Napier)

Please register as space is limited
For Members: gold coin donation
Non-members (if space): $15

Image generated by Midjourney

An enlightening talk on pioneering the future of farming with sustainable practices by Researcher Dan Bloomer. In this talk, Dan will delve into the world of non-herbicide weed control within AgResearch’s extensive program on herbicide resistance management. Discover the cutting-edge alternatives, including ultra-low energy electric shocks against weed seedlings, and explore the latest in precision weeding technologies. From lasers and precision sprays to robotic cultivators, this presentation will shed light on innovative strategies reshaping our approach to crop production.

Image offered by Dan Bloomer

Leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, Dan Bloomer returns from Callaghan Innovation’s Horticultural Automation Immersion Tour, bringing state-of-the-art insights into farm robotics and precision agriculture. A respected figure in horticulture and soil science, Dan heads Page Bloomer’s agricultural consultancy and LandWISE. His work is currently focused on innovative non-herbicide weed control, regenerative farming methods, and studying the impacts of sediment from Cyclone Gabrielle. Dan’s expertise in sustainable crop production is both extensive and highly relevant in today’s agricultural landscape.

Thursday, 16 November: Fungi: A 55-Year Adventure in Mycology

Posted on by

Speaker: Eric McKenzie, Myclogist, LandCare Research

Date: Thursday, 16 November 2023 at 6.00pm

Venue: Napier Sailing Club, 63 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier

Admission: Gold coin donation

Image offered by Eric

Join us on a captivating journey through five and a half decades of studying microfungi, where adventure meets discovery. Explore the intriguing world of microfungi, which can impact both animals and plants. We’ll unravel questions like the consequences of fungicides on fungal ‘flora’ in sheep pastures, the dual influence of endophytic fungi in ryegrass on sheep and plants, the mysteries of chalkbrood disease in Samoan bees compared to those in New Zealand, and the personal repercussions of encountering rust fungus-infected plants. Discover how New Zealand’s fungi were meticulously examined following visits to remote islands, and why a book titled “Collect Fungi on Stamps” earned its place among the ‘Top 10 Weirdest Book Titles.’ Delve into the purpose behind collecting, identifying, and compiling plant disease lists for Pacific countries through extensive visits across the region. And finally, gain insights into consultancies and student supervision in South East Asia, which led to expeditions in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. This presentation offers a glimpse into a truly adventurous and fulfilling career in mycology.

photo offer by Eric

Eric, a distinguished mycologist, spent over four decades as the curator of the NZ Fungal and Plant Disease Fungarium, which houses a unique collection of fungi in the Southern Hemisphere. He holds a BSc (Hons) from Massey University and a PhD from Cambridge University. Throughout his career, Eric conducted extensive research on microfungi in pastures and contributed significantly to New Zealand fungal systematics. He played a pivotal role in plant disease surveys across the Pacific Islands and provided consultancy services in South East Asia. Eric is a Highly Cited Researcher and continues to work on Rust Fungi of New Zealand even in retirement.

Tuesday, 31 October: AI Today – the Pioneering World of Contemporary Artificial Intelligence (human written)

Posted on by
9

Speaker: James Simmonds, founder of Webfox

Date: Tuesday, 31 October at 6.00pm

Venue: Napier Sailing Club, 63 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier

Admission: Gold coin donation

If you think this one was generated by ChatGPT, please leave your opinion in the comments below.

Image generated by Midjourney

The realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has seen unprecedented advances in recent years, particularly with the advent of state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. These developments have redefined the boundaries of technology and ushered in a sea of opportunities for businesses to harness. But with such rapid transformations, how do businesses navigate and integrate these innovative tools?

Image offered by James Simmonds

In this session, James will delve into the contemporary landscape of AI, shedding light on its practical implications for business. As the founder of Webfox — a pioneering software development company based in Ahuriri — he has been at the forefront of harnessing the latest technological innovations to provide businesses with a competitive edge. Through Webfox, James and his team design, develop and support various solutions ranging from bespoke software and mobile applications to cutting-edge AI solutions.

The talk will journey through:

The Evolving Landscape: Understanding the swift paradigm shift in technology with the emergence of LLMs and how traditional approaches are fast becoming obsolete.

Practical Applications: James will showcase how Webfox and other innovators leverage these new tools, presenting real-world applications.

Navigating Challenges: Tackling the security aspects, dealing with the uncertainties of nascent technologies, and ensuring robust solutions.

A Little R&D: James will share a few intriguing R&D projects and run over high-level developer concepts behind some groundbreaking innovations the Webfox team is working on.

Image offered by James Simmonds

James Simmonds, a curious software developer turned curious business owner, has consistently been at the intersection of technology and business. Through Webfox, he has combined his developer acumen with a forward-thinking business approach, always seeking to harness the latest technology. James brings a blend of technical knowledge, practical strategies, and a passion for the AI era.

Tuesday, 31 October: AI Today – The Pioneering World of Contemporary Artificial Intelligence (GPT version)

Posted on by
7

Speaker: James Simmonds, founder of Webfox

Date: Tuesday, 31 October at 6.00pm

Venue: Napier Sailing Club, 63 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier

Admission: Gold coin donation

If you think this one was generated by ChatGPT, please leave your opinion in the comments below.

Image generated by Midjourney

In this lecture, James Simmonds will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He will highlight the transformative impact of state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT on businesses and how they’re replacing traditional methods. As the founder of Webfox, an innovative software development company in Ahuriri, James will provide insights into practical AI applications and real-world solutions, touching on security challenges and the uncertainties associated with emerging technologies. Additionally, he’ll share intriguing R&D projects and developer concepts that Webfox is pioneering.

Image offered by James Simmonds

James Simmonds is the founder of Webfox, a leading software development company in Ahuriri. With a background in software development and a keen eye for business opportunities, James combines technical expertise with a forward-thinking approach. He is passionate about harnessing the latest AI technologies to empower businesses and has a strong track record in this space.

Tuesday, 3 October: Geoscience Society of New Zealand Hochstetter Lecture: Kaikōura Earthquake – Tales from the seafloor

Posted on by

Speaker: Dr. Lorna Strachan, University of Auckland

Date:  Tuesday, 3 October 2023 at 6.00pm

Venue: Napier Sailing Club, 63 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier

Admission: Gold coin donation

In November 2016, a magnitude 7.8 Earthquake dramatically struck the coastal region of Kaikōura, indelibly impacting the residents of the region, changing the very shape of the coast and land, and generating a devastating tsunami. But what happened offshore? Did the seafloor respond in a similarly dramatic fashion? What are the effects 6 years later and how can we use the earthquake triggered deposits to understand past and future hazards?

Image from: https://woostergeologists.scotblogs.wooster.edu/2012/03/17/dead-sea-sediments-and-some-impressive-seismites/

In this talk, Lorna will use novel seafloor data and state of the art techniques to show the devastation wrought on the seafloor by the Kaikōura Earthquake. The sedimentary deposits from the Earthquake were used to build a narrative of the physical and biogenic processes in the minutes, hours, and years following the Earthquake and she will explain how we can use these exceptionally “geologically young” deposits to unravel past cataclysmic natural hazards to have a better understand of the interconnections between the land, people, and ocean floor in the future.

Dr. Lorna Strachan is a prominent Aotearoa-New Zealand researcher specializing in sedimentology, particularly in the deep ocean. Over the past decade, she has conducted research on modern and ancient marine sedimentary systems around Aotearoa, uniquely bridging terrestrial outcrops and deep ocean deposits. Her focus lies in understanding physics-based sedimentary processes on continental slopes, basin plains, and deep ocean sinks. For the last six years, she has concentrated on the Hikurangi Subduction Margin, collaborating with organizations such as IODP, NIWA, and GNS Science, alongside a team of post-graduate research students. Her work involves studying sediment deposits, dispersal pathways, and flow triggers, including earthquakes and large storms, with the Kaikōura Earthquake in 2016 serving as an important case study. Apart from her research, Lorna is passionate about teaching and science communication, having gained recognition for her innovative and research-led teaching methods. She is known for her captivating research talks and exceptional ability to simplify complex ideas for a wider audience. In 2020, she received the Geoscience Society of NZ People’s Choice Best Talk Award for her exciting presentation on turbidity currents and their implications.

Tuesday, 19 September: Alternative proteins by Food Solutions Team, Plant & Food Research, Palmerston North

Posted on by

Speaker: Thomas Sowersby, Richard Edmond, Katrina Fletcher and Dr Lee Huffman

Date:  Tuesday, 19 September 2023 at 6.00pm, bar opens at 5.30pm, edible insects available for tasting

Venue: Napier Sailing Club, 63 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier

Admission: Gold coin donation, everyone is welcome, no booking required

The Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society and the Hawke’s Bay Branch of New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology are jointly hosting a group of scientists from Plant & Food Research in Palmerston North, to talk about their research into the pros and cons of alternative proteins.

Many people are choosing to eat less meat, and more plant proteins. As well as beans and peas, there’s growing interest in hemp protein, protein from pasture and seaweed. A lot of work is being done on insect bioconversion of waste as a sustainable source of proteins for animal and fish foods.

In this lecture, Lee and her team will talk about the environmental and nutritional pros and cons of proteins from pasture versus proteins from plants, insects and seaweed. They’ll also mention the wide-ranging definition of a “superfood”.

Thomas Sowersby, a Food Technologist at Plant & Food Research, specializes in plant protein and fiber ingredient projects. His key role involves leading the “Protein from Pasture” program, which focuses on developing sustainable protein sources. With a background in food technology and quality assurance, Thomas bridges the gap between research and commercial application, making valuable contributions to the food industry.

Richard Edmonds, a Food Processing Engineer, contributes his expertise in technoeconomic analysis and food process engineering, particularly in the plant protein sector. He leverages his background in bioprocess engineering and kinetic modeling to drive viable commercial outcomes. Richard’s recent work on leaf protein from pasture reflects his commitment to exploring innovative solutions.

Katrina Fletcher, a Senior Food Technologist, brings extensive experience from the dairy and meat industries to Plant & Food Research. Her focus on creating a circular bio-economy involves utilizing materials that would otherwise go to waste, such as black soldier fly larvae, to address food wastage issues. Katrina’s work contributes to sustainable practices and new export opportunities.

Lee Huffman, the Food Solutions Team Leader, plays a crucial role in developing processes for isolating plant protein ingredients and optimizing food concepts. With a rich history in the New Zealand dairy industry, Lee has a wealth of experience in commercializing dairy ingredients. Her expertise in food processing and total utilization of agricultural resources drives value while minimizing waste, making her a key contributor to sustainable food solutions.

Monday 7 August: MacDiarmid Institute Regional Lecture: Good news for a change: Sustainable tech in Aotearoa NZ and the science behind it

Posted on by

Professor Chris Bumby, Principal Investigator at the MacDiarmid Institute

Dr Nathaniel Davis, an Associate Investigator at the MacDiarmid Institute

Tahlia Crabtree, Outreach Coordinator at Robinson Research Institute

Date: Monday 7 August 2023 at 6.00pm

Venue: Napier Sailing Club, 63 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier

Image from MacDiarmid

The MacDiarmid Institute is a network of leading researchers from around the country united in a common goal: to create and explore innovative, sustainable materials that will improve the lives of people in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the word. This talk will present an optimistic take on the sustainability crisis facing the world today. Come and hear about what technology is being developed and utilised right now, in Aotearoa New Zealand, to address sustainability challenges.

Chris Bumby is a Principal Investigator at the MacDiarmid Institute, and a Principal Scientist at the Robinson Research Institute of Victoria University of Wellington, where he works on a range of commercial and industry-facing applied research projects, spanning a diverse range of materials engineering topics, including hydrogen steelmaking, ceramic semiconductors and superconducting machines.

Nathaniel (Nate) Davis is an Associate Investigator at the MacDiarmid Institute, a Senior Lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington, and a Rutherford Discovery Fellow. Nate’s background is in chemistry and physics within the field of optoelectronics, specifically the creation of materials allowing light and electronic energy to be interchanged.

Tahlia Crabtree is a dedicated Outreach Coordinator at Robinson Research Institute, where she passionately organizes and facilitates engaging activities and events to inspire and educate students about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). With her background as a qualified meteorologist, Tahlia previously served as a weather forecaster, bringing her expertise and keen focus on effectively communicating weather information to the public. Her commitment to promoting STEM education and her experience in meteorology make her a valuable asset in encouraging the next generation of young minds to explore the wonders of science and technology.

Tuesday 25 July: Rebuilding Hawke’s Bay’s stopbanks

Posted on by

Jon Kingsford, Project Manager, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Date: Tuesday 25 July 2023 at 6.00pm

Venue: Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Dalton Street, Napier

Admission: Gold coin donation

Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc on Hawke’s Bay as rivers overcame flood protection, leaving many stopbanks in need of urgent repair. This task fell to a rapid rebuild team at HBRC, led by Jon Kingsford. His talk will cover how the team came about, how it was structured to enable rapid scaling up of resource and about the challenges encountered during the repairs, using specific sites as examples. Then looking forward, Jon will describe planned future work and river management challenges more generally.

Jon Kingsford is a civil engineer and Project Manager, managing a small team of project managers delivering infrastructure construction work relating to stormwater and flood protection across the Hawke’s Bay. Jon is an outdoor enthusiast, feeling most at home in the ocean (on a surfboard) or in the mountains and native forests.

Tuesday 20 June 2023: The 2021 New Zealand Rutherford Medal Lecture

Posted on by

More Home Truths

The impact of housing research on health policy

Professor Howden-Chapman, Otago University and Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand

Date: 6pm, Tuesday, 20 June, 2023

Venue: Napier War Memorial Conference Centre, 48 Marine Parade Napier

Organiser: Royal Society Te Apārangi

Reserve your place: Click Here.

Stethoscope and Model House on Gradated Background with Selective Focus. image sources: iStock

Continuing her quest for healthy homes and housing affordability, Distinguished Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman FRSNZ will deliver the prestigious Rutherford Lecture.
Under Professor Howden-Chapman’s inspirational leadership, He Kāinga Oranga’s research has shown how straightforward housing improvements to cold, damp and unsafe conditions can significantly reduce rates of infectious, respiratory and cardiovascular disease and deaths, particularly for children and older people.

This research and its studies have influenced public policy innovation and implementation, and been rated as outstanding examples of housing intervention research internationally, winning recognition in the British medical Journal and being profiled by the British Medical Council as an outstanding example of how to evaluate complex interventions.
In this lecture, Professor Howden-Chapman focuses on the priorities for housing at a time of cost-of-living pressure and stretched markets, and recent weather events in Aotearoa New Zealand.

royalsociety.org.nz

Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, sesquicentennial distinguished professor of public health at the University of Otago, Wellington, is co-director of He Kāinga Oranga/ Housing and Health Research Programme, Director of the NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities and the WHO Collaborating Centre on Housing and Wellbeing. She conducts randomised community housing trials in partnership with local communities, which have had a major influence on housing, urban policy and health. Her work focuses on reducing inequalities in the determinants of health and wellbeing.  She is a director on the board of the Crown Agency Kāinga Ora – homes and communities, a fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and former chair of the International Science Council Committee, Urban Health and Wellbeing: a systems approach. She has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister’s Science Team Prize and the Royal Society of NZ Rutherford Medal. She was awarded a Queen’s Service Order and the Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for contributions to public health.