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
Urban lizards
Presenters: Nicky Nelson (Victoria University of Wellington) and Chris Woolley (Zealandia)
Date: 23rd July 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Join herpetologists Nicky Nelson and Chris Woolley as they discuss how lizards are surviving in Aotearoa New Zealand’s urban landscapes and what their presence indicates about urban ecosystem health. The presenters will share cutting-edge research, case studies, and practical insights on how urban spaces can support lizard conservation in your neighbourhood.
Nicky Nelson is the Dean of STEM at Victoria University of Wellington and has over 20 years of experience researching the ecology and evolution of lizards. Chris Woolley’s research is leading the conservation and monitoring of lizards in urban environments in New Zealand. He is currently a post-doctoral fellow with a joint appointment at Victoria University of Wellington and Zealandia.
Urban responses to predator control
Presenters: Professor Stephen Hartley (Victoria University of Wellington) and Tamara Encina (Victoria University of Wellington)
Date: August 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
This webinar presents results of a long-running study on the effects resulting from targeted predator management in urban ecosystems. Professor Hartley and Dr. Encina will examine quantitative data on biodiversity responses across multiple taxonomic groups following predator control interventions. The session will address methodological considerations for urban predator management programs, and evidence-based approaches to predator control that maximize native biodiversity recovery in urban areas.
Stephen Hartley is an urban ecologist whose research supports the design of biodiverse, connected urban landscapes. He works closely with policymakers and communities to embed ecological principles into city planning. Tamara Encina studies species reintroductions and ecological networks within urban environments. She is interested in how restoration actions can enhance ecological resilience in city ecosystems.
Case study of Indigenous-led restoration: Taranaki
Presenters: Professor Bruce Clarkson (University of Waikato) and Sera Gibson (Taranaki Maunga)
Date: September 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
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