News and events

How we got our name

This research programme was formerly known by a different name. The programme name was changed in September 2024 following community feedback. In February and July, 2024 a delegation of our project team visited Taranaki to identify surveillance sites for vagrant moths, aerial microbes, and airflow along the western coast of Taranaki, an area known for its influx of wind-dispersed organisms.

Engagement and outreach are made possible through our collaboration with Taranaki Mounga Project (TMP), a partnership involving the Department of Conservation, the Taranaki iwi Chairs Forum, and various investors. During our engagement, it became apparent that the original programme name, Protecting Aotearoa from Aerial Invaders in a Changing Climate, was inappropriate, given Taranaki Māori historical experiences with invasion.

To foster greater inclusion and respect for our partners, we adopted a new name that retains the urgency and importance of our work while being more considerate of local sensitivities. The programme is now known as Protecting Aotearoa from wind-dispersed pests.

Blown Away newsletter

Blown Away is a series of bi-annual newsletters to share updates on the research progress, team and unexpected discoveries from the programme.

If you'd like to keep up to date, please sign up here.

Issue 2 - March 2025

We have been busy since the last update and have a lot of stories to share in our March issue. While the researchers have been focused on filling key knowledge gaps about the survival of these unwelcome insects and pathogen organisms, they've also been holding wānanga, composing poetry, intercepting moths, tracking butterflies, and inspiring young scientists.

Read on to find out more and get to know some of the team.

Issue 1 -  August 2024

In our inaugural newsletter we share progress in developing a database of 'airbridge' maps, impressive vagrant moths, pests hitch-hiking on pests and the latest happenings at our team day.

Read all about it here.

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