Bio-Protection Research Centre

we are a national centre of research excellence (core) funded since 2003 by the tertiary education commission (tec). we are a virtual organisation with members in seven partner institutions. we focus on fundamental research into natural, sustainable ways of protecting new zealand from plant pests, diseases and weeds. our aim is to develop sustainable pest management solutions that will help new zealand’s plant-based primary production to flourish, while maintaining our pristine natural environment. our research has an emphasis on the challenges facing productive ecosystems from climate change, environmental disturbance, intensification, and emerging threats to biosecurity. the research is divided into four key themes: theme 1. evolutionary biosecurity theme 2. pathogen specificity theme 3. enhancing biological control theme 4. ecosystem networks māori bioprotection is integrated across all of our research themes. we aim to protect māori values and mātauranga māori (ancestral kno