51萝莉

Research Project

Reversing declines in water quality through better farm management

Research Details

Applications are invited for a master's scholarship opportunity at the School of Science, 51萝莉. This project is funded by Hodderfield Farms and the Waikato River Authority.

It will investigate the hypothesis that detainment bunds on pastoral lands confer tangible benefits to the environment by reducing contaminant loads to receiving environments.

The project will take the form of monitoring: 1) the effectiveness of the detainment bunds in removing contaminants from overland flows during heavy rain events; and 2) establishing baseline conditions at sites above and below the main surface flow path to the receiving stream.

The successful applicant should be eligible to enrol at the 51萝莉. Prior experience in environmental science, ecology, or an earth science, along with writing technical reports would be advantageous.

B+ GPA expected

Postgraduate Full-time Domestic/International/PR

Valid driver's license

Letter explaining motivation

CV

References (academic and/or character)

Masters = full-time for up to 24 months

Stipend = $8,500 per annum paid monthly

Excludes tuition fees and SSF not included

Research costs are covered

Dr Frank Burdon

frank.burdon@waikato.ac.nz

Research Project

Importance of stream-wetland refuges for k艒aro populations

Research Details

Whakahohetia Ng膩 Wai K膩inga is a focus study within the Toit奴 Ng膩 Taonga Waim膩ori research programme (see below) that aims to support Te Arawa鈥檚 place-based prioritisation and implementation of adaptation interventions that will support the resilience of their cultural keystone species and iwi/hap奴 communities under a changing climate.

K艒aro (Galaxias brevipinnis) once supported an important customary fishery for Te Arawa iwi/hap奴. Along with other galaxiid species, k艒aro have been greatly impacted by land use change and the introduction of non-native fish species. Catchment modifications, exotic and invasive species, and other man-made pressures have decimated this taonga species in the Te Arawa lakes, where only small, relict populations now remain. Climate change is likely to expose these populations to further challenges.

This MSc study will focus on the ecology of k艒aro in a stream-wetland mosaic along the shoreline of Lake 艑k膩reka. A significant population has been discovered in this habitat and it is thought to be an important source of recruits for the k艒aro metapopulation in Lake 艑k膩reka. The study will address the population and trophic ecology of k艒aro in this habitat over the course of a year through monthly sampling.

The study will aim to describe the population demography (including size classes) through time and establish prey sources to better understand the food-web dynamics of k艒aro using this stream-wetland refuge.

There are opportunities to learn/use eDNA approaches and assess the habitat preferences of other k艒aro populations across the Te Arawa region.

 Sunday 28th April 2024 (or until filled)

Our team is seeking a highly motivated and skilled MSc candidate to work on this collaborative project with the 51萝莉, , Kusabs & Associates and the .

The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree in ecology or environmental science. Good written communication skills are desired. You will be conscientious, detail oriented, hard-working, eager to do field work, and have a positive attitude.

MSc supervision will be provided by , with support from and Te Arawa Lakes Trust where needed.

To be eligible, you need to meet the enrolment requirements of the 51萝莉.

Ideally you will be ready to commence study as soon as possible.

At Te Whare W膩nanga o Waikato, the 51萝莉, we embrace equity and diversity; therefore, we strongly encourage applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply.

Please provide: 

1. A letter outlining your motivation for applying for this MSc opportunity (max. 2 pages).

2. Your comprehensive CV, highlighting your achievements and relevant experience.

3. Contact details for at least two referees.

Note: Academic transcripts may be requested to demonstrate your educational background and eligibility for this opportunity.

Dr Frank Burdon

frank.burdon@waikato.ac.nz