My research area is in environmental soil chemistry and biochemistry, focusing on the health of soil ecosystems. My current areas of focus are understanding the relationship between gene expression and soil productivity such as carbon storage; halting kauri dieback through discovery of disease suppressive traits in soils; and focusing on biosecurity and climate change issues that are of concern to Maori and indigenous communities. I am the director of Bioprotection Aotearoa which is a national centre of research excellence (CoRE) that collaborates across 11 partner organisations across New Zealand. It conducts innovative research framed by Māori values, to develop approaches that make our productive and valued ecosystems resistant and resilient in the face of increasing threats from pathogens, pests, and weeds, which are exacerbated by climate change. 
I have a strong background in incorporating mātauranga Māori and facilitating inter-team interactions and collaborations. In 2019 I received the Te Tupu-ā-Rangi Award for Health and Science at the Matariki Awards, Māori Television. In 2018 I was awarded the MPI NZ Biosecurity Award (AsureQuality - Emerging Leader). I have recently held Ministerial appointments with the Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Primary Industries.

I am a political scientist and human geographer who specialises in civic engagement, environmental politics, and disaster studies. My research builds critical understanding of participation in times of crisis, including responses to sudden-onset events (e.g. earthquakes, pandemic, biosecurity), and slower-moving crises like climate change and biodiversity loss.
My research analyses a wide range of civic action spanning volunteerism, social movements and activism, youth politics, and community-led organising. I also examine public engagement practices across government and science, with an interest in understanding how decision-making can become more societally responsive, democratic, and build trust. Across my research I specialise in qualitative social research methods, especially interviews, documentary analysis, and approaches that develop longitudinal insight.
Much of my research contributes to transdisciplinary research programmes. I am the Deputy Director (Transdisciplinary Activities) of Bioprotection Aotearoa, a TEC-funded national Centre of Research Excellence, as well as the co-lead of Bioprotection Futures (2025-28). I am also the social research lead of an Endeavour-funded project considering genetic modification of wasps (2023-28) and co-lead a project examining crisis communication for minority language communities, funded by the Health Research Council (2023-26).

Melanie Mark-Shadbolt (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Porou and other iwi affiliations) is Deputy Secretary Tūmatakōkiri (Māori Rights & Interests) at the Ministry for the Environment. With more than a decade of leadership experience, she is a recognised expert in biodiversity, indigenous environmental governance and Māori rights. Melanie is also Chief Executive of Te Tira Whakamātaki, a Māori environmental charity and home of the Māori biosecurity network, working to advance Treaty-centred biosecurity and indigenous solutions to environmental challenges. She also serves on a number of national science, conservation and governance boards.

Vincent Arbuckle leads New Zealand Food Safety at the Ministry for Primary Industries, overseeing the systems, standards and regulatory frameworks that help ensure New Zealand’s food is safe, trusted and internationally recognised. With extensive experience in public sector leadership, compliance and risk management, Vincent works with government, industry and communities to strengthen food safety, support consumer confidence and protect the reputation of New Zealand’s food system.

Dr Kerry Mulqueen is a veterinary and technical specialist with extensive experience in poultry health, disease management, and industry preparedness. Through his work with the poultry sector, Kerry provides technical expertise on animal health challenges, including emerging disease risks such as avian influenza. He brings a practical understanding of the systems, science, and collaboration required to support a resilient and trusted food supply.