Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) School of Environmental Management staff member, Jordon Traill, and Bachelor of Environmental Management graduate, Yannick Dorman, presented their individual research recently at the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network conference (NZPCN).
The conference, which is held biannually, brings together people from across New Zealand working and interested in the fields of botany, ecology and restoration. Held in Whangārei, 6th-9th October, with the theme of “Ka mua, ka muri – walking backwards into the future”, the four-day event hosted speakers from around the country who presented, shared ideas and attended field trips and workshops.
Mr Traill, who is Programme Manager for the School of Environmental Management said the quality of research and engagement produced through the SIT Environmental Management School was on show with the two presentations; Mr Traill delivered his research on the tussock lands and ephemeral wetlands of Sandy Point. The research explored the ecological response to ecosystems which have been de-stocked for decades. Mr Traill said his topic was well received from the attendees, many commenting on the importance of studying unusual plant communities, such as those at Sandy Point. “The plants of the research sites are more commonly associated with temperate forests and alpine fields, not sand dunes,” he stated.
And Mr Dorsman, a SIT Bachelor of Environmental Management graduate, presented the research conducted during his time studying in the degree: comparing remnant patches of the rare Totara Dune Forests, to understand drivers of change and help inform its restoration. Mr Dorsman acknowledged the options provided through and alongside his bachelor’s led him to progress further into the environmental space.
“It allowed me to hone my passions – ecology and botany. I was privileged to be able to present my research to stakeholders in these branches of the biological sciences at the NZPCN conference. To receive such positive feedback from them regarding the research I did at SIT was just awesome!” I would like to give a big thank you to Jordon and SIT for the opportunities and support they have provided me.”
Mr Dorsman is currently completing a Master of Ecology at Auckland University, and is a recipient of an NZPCN scholarship, which are often granted to post-graduate and PhD candidate students to encourage and support up-and-coming researchers. “It’s a great testament to the high quality of research that Yannick produced in his bachelor’s degree at the School of Environmental Management at SIT,” Mr Traill said, adding “We wish Yannick every success as he continues his studies.”