Speaker: Dave Barrell

Date: Tuesday, 24 September 2024, 6pm

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

Admission: Gold coin donation

The 2024 Hochstetter Lecturer is David Barrell of GNS Science. This talk will delve into the dynamic relationship between Aotearoa New Zealand’s land and sea, exploring the ongoing battle between tectonic forces that raise the land and the ocean waves that relentlessly erode it. With a focus on Zealandia’s geological, tectonic, and landscape evolution, David will provide a ‘whole system’ perspective on how these powerful natural forces have shaped our diverse coastline over millennia and will continue to do so in the future, particularly in light of climate change.

David Barrell is a highly respected scientist at GNS Science, with extensive experience in studying the geological and tectonic processes of Aotearoa New Zealand. As the 2024 Hochstetter Lecturer, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for understanding the complexities of our landscape. Through his research and years of rigorous observations, David has contributed significantly to the scientific community’s understanding of Zealandia’s evolution. His lecture promises to be both thought-provoking and enlightening, offering valuable insights into the forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, our environment.

Speakers: Professor Parry Guilford and Associate Professor Karyn Paringatai, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago

Date: Tuesday, October 22, 6:00 pm

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

Admission: Gold coin donation

This event, hosted by the Royal Society Te Apārangi in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes Secretariat and the Hawke’s Bay Branch, will present a unique opportunity to delve into a groundbreaking achievement in stomach cancer genetics.

In May of this year, Professor Parry Guilford and Associate Professor Karyn Paringatai received the Prime Minister’s Science Prize in recognition of their innovative partnership with the McLeod whānau, community members, cancer geneticists from the University of Otago, and clinicians from Tauranga Hospital. Their work led to the identification of a life-threatening genetic mutation in the CDH1 gene, responsible for premature deaths from stomach cancer within the McLeod whānau. Through their research, they developed a genetic test that allows whānau members to assess their cancer risk and take preventive measures. This breakthrough has also been crucial for other families in New Zealand and around the world, helping them to detect similar CDH1 gene mutations and take life-saving actions. As a result, hundreds of lives in Aotearoa New Zealand and thousands worldwide have been saved. This inspiring story of scientific collaboration and community impact continues to make a significant difference.

The event will not be a traditional lecture but rather an engaging interview and discussion. Professor Parry Guilford and Associate Professor Karyn Paringatai will talk about their research and its far-reaching implications. This interactive format will provide an in-depth look at their work and the profound effects it has had on families and communities. The event is open to everyone, and booking is recommended to secure your spot at this insightful discussion.

Join us in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. We are excited to commemorate this milestone with a series of special events:

Friday, September 13, 2024:

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Casual “Meet and Mingle”

• Venue: East Pier, 50 Nelson Quay, Ahuriri, Napier
• Cash bar and food available for order

Saturday, September 14, 2024:

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: House of Science Expo (free to the public)

• Venue: Small Exhibition Hall, Napier War Memorial Conference Centre, Marine Parade
• For primary and intermediate students, their teachers and whanau. Meet the staff involved in the local Branch; activities from several kits (including rocket science) for the students; meet our guest scientist from Rocket Lab.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Short Science Talks and Panel Discussion (free to the public)

• Venue: Education Room, MTG Hawke’s Bay (1 Tennyson Street, Napier)
• Featuring local scientists discussing their work, a presentation on the history of the Society, and an exhibition of some of the Society’s artefacts held at MTG.
• Guest Speakers:
• Rachel Haydon, General Manager, National Aquarium of New Zealand
• Bruce Ngataierua, Director, Hawke’s Bay Holt Planetarium
• James Simmonds, Co-Founder, Webfox
• Moon Chen, Phd Student Researcher, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited
• Dr Elizabeth Pishief, Heritage Consultant

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: 150th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner

• Venue: Magdalinos Room, Havelock North Function Centre, 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North
• Guest Speaker: Julia Rotham, Director of Mahia Launch Site, Rocket Lab
• Please reserve your place for the Hawke’s Bay Royal Society’s 150th Anniversary Dinner using this Link.

This event is proudly supported by the Napier City Council and the Royal Society Te Apārangi national office.