Thriving cities: Reweaving ecology, culture and community
What makes a thriving city? Join our monthly Webinar series to explore the path to thriving cities in Aotearoa New Zealand by examining research from the People, Cities & Nature team on:
Urban planning and design for biodiversity
Cultural partnerships for urban restoration
Protecting wildlife and managing pests
And uncovering microbiomes in the soil and air that can impact human health.
This event brings together researchers, practitioners, and communities to share knowledge and explore urban ecological restoration and design in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Upcoming events
Presenters: Craig Liddicoat (Flinders University) and Kasey Kiesewetter (University of Waikato)
Date: October 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Functional microbes in urban restoration
This webinar explores the critical role of microbial communities as both indicators and functional drivers of urban ecosystem restoration. Microbial ecologists Craig Liddicoat and Kasey Kiesewetter will present findings from multi-year studies examining shifts in microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic activity throughout restoration trajectories in Aotearoa New Zealand’s urban centres.
Craig Liddicoat is a post-doctoral researcher at Flinders University in Adelaide. His research uses DNA-based surveys of soils and environments to help better understand the beneficial connections between microbes, soil, plants, ecosystems, and human health. Kasey Keisewetter is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Waikato. Kasey’s PhD research investigated the restoration of soil microbiomes in the Everglades in Florida.
Case study of Indigenous-led restoration: Taranaki
Presenters: Professor Bruce Clarkson (University of Waikato) and Sera Gibson (Taranaki Maunga)
Date: 1 October 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
This webinar presents a case study of integrated ecological and cultural restoration within the Taranaki region. Professor Clarkson and Gibson will address the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific approaches, collaborative stakeholder engagement models, and adaptive management systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on transferable principles applicable to other regions and contexts, with implications for governance structures and cross-cultural partnerships in restoration programming.
Bruce Clarkson is a leading figure in urban ecological restoration, with a career dedicated to reversing biodiversity loss in cities. He has developed national strategies and frameworks guiding restoration across Aotearoa New Zealand. Sera Gibson leads practical restoration efforts through the Taranaki Mounga Project, working to restore native ecosystems at scale. She connects community, iwi, and science to deliver impactful conservation outcomes.
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Previous Events
Presenters: Professor Nicky Nelson (Victoria University of Wellington), Dr Chris Woolley (Zealandia) and Diana Methner (PhD student at Victoria University of Wellington)
Date: 27 August 2025
Urban lizards
This Thriving Cities webinar explored the challenges and opportunities of conserving urban lizards in Aotearoa New Zealand. Dr Chris Woolley discussed how lizard populations are impacted by land development and gaps in legal protection and planning. Professor Nicola Nelson and PhD candidate Diana Methner highlighted issues with current mitigation translocations and the need for stronger evidence and consistency in habitat enhancements. Together, the speakers called for better monitoring, early planning, and shared knowledge to improve outcomes for urban lizard conservation.
Use the link on the right to view the webinar recording. Or download the Q&A Resource answering all the questions from the webinar - even the ones we didn’t have time for in person.
Urban Lizards Webinar
Q&A Resource
Presenters: Professor Stephen Hartley (Victoria University of Wellington) and Tamara Encina (Victoria University of Wellington)
Date: 27th August 2025
Predator control in urban environments
This webinar explores predator control in New Zealand cities with Professor Stephen Hartley and PhD researcher Tamara Encina-Becker. Drawing on Predator Free Wellington case studies, they reveal biodiversity gains for wētā, fantails, and lizards, alongside challenges like rising mouse populations, offering practical lessons for urban restoration and planning.
Use the link on the right to view the webinar recording.