Cafe Scientifique - Won't you be my neighbour? Preserving New Zealand's native biodiversity

According to the Environment Aotearoa 2019 report more than 4,000 of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna are threatened or at risk of extinction – and that’s only of the species that been formally identified! Many of New Zealand’s species are highly unique and found no where else. But how do we value these native flora and fauna as a country and how might we value them in an ideal future? Are we really on the verge of an insect apocalypse and, if so, what can we do about it?

Leilani Walker is a research fellow at AUT university in the School of Science. She completed her PhD research at the University of Auckland, studying the evolution of exaggerated male weaponry in New Zealand sheet-web spiders. Her current addresses how land owners and mangers perceive the risks and benefits of native reforestation. She is the co-creator of the Insects of New Zealand playing card project.

The cafe format is: a presentation from the speaker, c.10 minutes of refreshments, and then an hour of discussion time. Many people like to get to the venue early to have dinner beforehand (we're in the basement - entry off the carpark or down the stairs to the right from the front door). No RSVP required. Entry by koha (a kite will be shared during the refreshment time).