MC - Dr Pieter-Willem Hendriks

Lincoln University

My area is arable crop production, phenotyping and breeding. I have a specific interest in below-ground crop development and interactions. My recent research evolved around wheat- weed interactions and the improvement of the competitive ability of wheat. Competition with weeds is an ongoing problem in wheat production. The cost of weeds, increasing concerns around food safety, soil health, herbicide resistance and the reduction in the release of novel products suggest a need for an integrated weed management approach. Improving the competitive ability of wheat is one of the tools available in this integrated weed management. We studied the impact of the selection for and the breeding with increased early shoot vigour on the competitiveness of wheat. A particular focus was set at below ground root architecture and allelochemical interactions. Currently I am trying to set up a breeding effort to find solutions for the New Zealand Potato Industry. I would like to develop the speed breeding and phenotyping capacity at Lincoln University.

Dr. Charles Merfield

Charles, better known as Merf, has a diverse background in organic horticulture and agriculture both managing farms and undertaking research and extension in a range of countries.  He therefore has a deep knowledge of real-world farming and science which means he is able to effectively bridge these two arenas to ensure that research will be applicable and implementable on-farm and that farmers understand the problems and limits of what research can achieve.

Prof. Pablo Gregorini

Lincoln University

I am the Professor of Livestock Production & Agricultural Systems at Lincoln University, as well as the director of the Lincoln University Pastoral Livestock Production Lab’ and Head of the Lincoln University Centre of Excellence for Designing Future Productive Landscapes. Internationally, I chair the International Scientific Committee for the Nutrition of Herbivores, and serve in the International Scientific Committee for farm systems design. Recently, I joined the International Scientific Board of ALEPH (Interdisciplinary consortium of scientist working on ‘the role of Animal Foods in Healthy, Sustainable and Ethical Diets), and I have been induced by invitation to NITRO-Oceania, Network of Interdisciplinary Research Organizations-Oceania.

Professor Brett Robinson

University of Canterbury

Confidence in New Zealand’s food products and the marketing of NZ as “100% pure” rely on our land-based industries combining a high level of production while minimising the entry of contaminants into foods or local environments. New Zealand’s economy is vulnerable if contaminant are found in NZ produce or our land and water becomes degraded to the point where it reduces the tourist dollars spent here. Biowastes (wastes of biological origin) are arguably the most important contributor to the degradation of New Zealand’s economy and environment when they enter waterways, contaminate high-value land, or require costly disposal. Biowastes in the form of nutrient-rich animal and human wastes currently contaminate rivers, lakes, and harbours. Most of New Zealand’s biosolids go to landfills - at great expense. Pine waste is dumped in large piles that leach tannins and degrade waterways and composts made from municipal green waste are under-utilised.
I seek to create economic and environmental value from biowastes by ensuring that biowastes and the nutrients they contain improve our soils rather than degrade our waters. While the programme is based on Environmental Chemistry, it requires significant contributions from ecologists, ecotoxicologists, microbiologists, experts in land management, social scientists and Māori knowledge.

Dr Richard Williams

Earth Sciences NZ

Richard is passionate about leading impactful science that enables sustainable development and use of our planet’s land and water environments. He has developed science strategy and led large, international, multi-disciplinary projects. Richard has led research that has evaluated river restoration, used big data to quantify river morphodynamics, assessed the impact of mining on water quality, and simulated natural flood management approaches in river, estuarine and coastal settings. Until June 2025, Richard was Professor of River Science and Director of Research at the School of Geographical and Earth Systems at the University of Glasgow, Scotland.

Dist. Prof. Leo Condron

Lincoln University

During his career, Professor Condron has developed and maintained an extensive network of research partnerships in Aotearoa and internationally, including collaborations with researchers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.
Since publishing his first paper in 1985, Professor Condron has published 314 articles, contributed more than 50 papers in leading science journals, authored or co-authored 15 book chapters and delivered to two major reports on the status of New Zealand soils for the United Nations.
He has been a Fellow of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science since 2008 and a Fellow of the British Society of Soil Science since 2015.

Dr. Nick Smith

Bioeconomy Science Institute

Dr. Nick Smith is a Senior Scientist in Sustainable Nutrition at the NZ Institute for Bioeconomy Science, an Associate Investigator in the Riddet Institute, and an Honourary Research Associate of Massey University. He holds degrees in mathematics and nutritional science from Swansea University (UK) and Massey University. His expertise is in mathematical modelling of food systems and human nutrition.

Mark Koopmans

Canterbury Sheep & Beef Farmer

Mark Koopmans is a Canterbury sheep and beef farmer based near Kaikōura, where he and his wife Laura operate a diverse hill-country farming business. With a strong focus on regenerative agriculture, Mark has spent the past decade developing low-input, resilient farming systems that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and farm profitability. He is a regular host and speaker at farming field days, sharing practical insights on grazing management, drought resilience, and sustainable livestock production.

David Birkett

Canterbury Arable Farmer

An early board member and Treasurer for Quorum Sense, David Birkett is an arable grower from Leeston who’s developed a low input, high output farming system using conservation growing techniques that was featured in our ‘Regenerative arable transitions’ case study. He has been involved in numerous industry governance roles at both local and national levels, including Past Chair of Foundation for Arable Research for 7 years. A passion for research and finding new growing techniques is what led him to Quorum Sense. He stepped down from active board duty in May 2022.
David Birkett farms near Leeston, Canterbury on Temuka Silt Loam and Paparoa Sandy Loam soils. The whole farm is in crop over summer and livestock are integrated over the winter period. He grows cereals, ryegrass seed, legumes and vegetables, both for fresh harvest.

David has focused on developing a low input system and improving soil quality for 25 years. However in the last few years he has learnt how keeping living roots in the soil as much as possible can accelerate his soil health gains.

Sam Lang

Groundshift

Sam Lang is a New Zealand-based professional associated with Groundshift, working in the area of agricultural systems transition and farm advisory support. His work focuses on helping farmers and industry stakeholders navigate regenerative and sustainable land-use change, with an emphasis on practical pathways, data-informed decision-making, and reducing risk in adoption.

Dr. John Saunders,

Lincoln University

I work in the area of agricultural economics research. My expertise is the development and use of modelling for forecasting agricultural production and markets. I primarily use Visual Basic for Applications and the General Algebraic Modelling System for developing analytical and statistical tools including economic trade models; particularly partial equilibrium models. I also design, update, and maintain in-house models used at the AERU. These models include both regional and globally focused structures and have been used to assess a range of research topics such as: nitrate limits, trade restrictions, free-trade agreements, climate change and associated policy impacts, consumer preferences and behaviour, increases in irrigated areas, and challenges to bio-security. I was commissioned by the Trade and Agriculture Directorate of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to develop a new model to assess challenges to agriculture over the long-term. This new model has a very high impact, and will be used for OECD policy analysis on the development of agricultural markets over the long-term, and to inform price projections in the medium-term.

Dr. Gwen Grelet

Bioeconomy Science Institute

Dr. Gwen Grelet is a Senior Researcher in Regenerative Ecosystem Management (Land Use & Ecosystems) at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research). Her research focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and regenerative land-use systems that enhance ecosystem function while supporting productive landscapes. Gwen works across disciplines to develop practical, science-based approaches that strengthen resilience, restore ecological integrity, and help land managers transition toward more sustainable and regenerative practices.

Dan Bloomer

Landwise

Co-founder and manager of LandWISE since 1999, Dan’s career is diverse, with a constant theme of sustainable use of land and water resources. His post-graduate studies included an MScTech in innovation Management and adoption in the primary sector, and a PhD investigating the potential of ultra-low energy electric weeding.  He brings experience across fresh and process vegetable growing, kiwifruit and arable production, to complement expertise in extension, soil health and efficient water management.