The Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand (AENZ) is based at AUT University and conducts internationally significant research in applied ecology. AENZ's research focuses on conservation, human-environment interactions, marine ecology and aquaculture, and plant ecology and global change. It provides research and consultancy services, using facilities like aerial drones, analytical chemistry labs, and marine vessels. Past successful projects include studies on a new surf clam fishery, microbial recovery in Mars analogue soils, and pest eradication on seabird islands.

2. About us
The Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand
(AENZ) is based at AUT University and is an
internationally significant body for research
in applied ecology. The Institute’s mission
is to engage in high-quality research with
importance and immediacy to New Zealand
and global environmental issues. We have a
strong commitment to making contributions
relevant at the science-policy interface, and
thus have direct beneficial impacts on society
and the natural environment.
Our website is the main portal for information
on our activities and services. We publish
a Technical Report Series for contracted
research projects. The Institute maintains a
Google Scholar site that displays metrics for
all our academic research outputs. AENZ also
maintains an active presence on social media
including Blog, Facebook, Twitter and a
YouTube channel.
We welcome enquiries on research projects and
commercial services.
Website: www.aenz.aut.ac.nz
Email: aenz@aut.ac.nz
TUATARA
1
POHUTUKAW
A
2
DEEP-SEA
GL
ASS
SQUID3
1
New Zealand’s endemic Tuatara
(Sphenodon punctatus)
2
New Zealand’s iconic Pohutukawa tree
(Metrosideros excelsa)
3
Deep-sea glass squid (Family: Cranchiidae),
is found in deep waters near New Zealand.

4. Research areas
AENZ has four thematic areas that reflect staff expertise and track
record in research.
Applied Conservation
The application of new technology and innovative research with
practical outcomes at the science-policy interface.
Human-Environment Interactions
Understanding the important roles, effects and consequences of human
interactions with their surroundings.
Marine Ecology and Aquaculture
Resolving ecosystem function and promoting sustainable and
responsible use of marine resources.
Plant Ecology and Global Change
The interactions of plants with their environment and impacts of
disturbance at local and global scales.

5. Applied Conservation
A core area of our research is in understanding, valuing and protecting
New Zealand’s natural environment. We have close collaborative links with the
Department of Conservation (DoC), Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and National
Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). We have a very strong
geographic information systems (GIS) team that is involved in many of these projects,
and they are leaders in the application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone
technology in conservation solutions.
Staff research expertise includes:
Antarctic Microbiology – ecological role and conservation value of terrestrial
microbial communities.
Biogeography and Evolution – resolving patterns and drivers of contemporary
species distribution.
Conservation GIS – application of UAV drones for high-resolution spatial mapping
in conservation.
Restoration Ecology – role of seabirds in island ecosystems, recovery of reptile
populations after predator removal, and the roles of people in island restoration.

6. Human-Environment
Interactions
An effective approach to modern ecology requires that humans be considered as
an integral part of both natural and designed environments. We explore the range
of humans’ engagement with their surroundings and seek to better understand the
effects of those interactions. Thus, projects range from workplace design and air
quality, to environmental reservoirs for pathogens and food safety. A further strength
lies in socio-ecological research to identify how humans perceive and value their
natural environment for recreational, aesthetic and other purposes. Identifying the
value of natural resources in providing nutraceutical and medicinal products is a
further focus of this theme.
Staff research expertise includes:
Bioactives and Food Safety – evaluating health benefits of extracts and compounds
found in seaweeds, shellfish and other marine organisms. Identifying and assessing
microbial and chemical hazards in food production and processing.
Infectious Diseases and Immunology – the microbiology, immunology and
diagnostics of leptospirosis and other infectious diseases.
Public Health Aerosol Microbial Ecology – risk assessment of airborne microbial
populations and microbially-derived allergens.
Socio-Ecological Systems – public participatory research to understand how humans
perceive and value their natural environment.

7. Marine Ecology and
Aquaculture
Our marine ecological research spans coastal, benthic and deep-sea systems. Projects
focus on understanding the natural system and also the impacts of perturbation. We also
have strength in understanding the contribution of science to sustainability issues
in fisheries, identifying under-utilised fisheries, and developing novel solutions
in aquaculture. Our overall goal is to promote sustainable marine harvest in New
Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Staff research expertise includes:
Aquaculture and Fisheries – hatcheries, behavioural and life cycle studies, and
assessments of environmental impacts from aquaculture; stock assessment,
population dynamics and ecology of fisheries in New Zealand and the Pacific.
Aquatic Biogeochemistry – how environmental change affects biogeochemical
processes and the functioning of diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Cetacean Conservation – the environmental and social costs of whale stranding in
New Zealand, and the impact of marine tourism on cetaceans.
Deep-Sea Ecology – biodiversity, ecology and trophic relationships in deep-sea
cephalopods and fish.
Mangrove Ecology – ecology and physiology of mangrove plants, ecosystem services
and mangrove interactions with other biota.

8. Plant Ecology and
Global Change
This theme examines the responses of plants to environmental change, and the
profound impacts these have on ecosystems. Our research also tackles some of
the most fundamental questions in ecology such as ‘what limits plant growth?’,
‘how do plants eventually die under drought?’, and ‘how do trees transport water?’.
Approaches include ecological, physiological and genetic interrogation. These are
applied to forest, grassland, mangrove and cryptogamic systems.
Staff research expertise includes:
Plants in Geothermal Soils – ecological and physiological responses to soil warming,
geothermal soils as model systems for climate change.
Plant Physiology and Response to Environmental Change – plant ecophysiology, with
particular focus on carbon and water relations, response and resilience to climate
change.
Plant-Virus Interactions – molecular analysis of plant-virus interactions and viral
evolution, with particular focus on native plants.
Regional Impacts of Disturbance to Dryland Ecosystems – role of cryptogams in
stabilising soils and the impacts of airborne dust dispersal.

9. Innovative Environmental
Research Solutions
The Institute benefits from excellent research facilities and staff expertise, with a track
record of providing effective solutions through rigorous science. We welcome enquiries
on our research and consultancy services.
Our facilities include:
Aerial Drones for Remote Sensing
• Incorporating infra-red, multispectral, thermal, and vegetation
stress cameras.
Analytical Chemistry Suite
• Platforms include AA, ICP-AES, HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, and NMR.
AUT-Roche Diagnostics Laboratory
• Biochemistry, haematology, and immunology analysers, real-time PCR, and a
high-throughput sequencing platform.
Marine Research Vessels and SCUBA
• 10.7m and 4.7m vessels, aquatic and benthic sampling devices, and SCUBA support.
Microscopy Suite
• Atomic-force, fluorescence, laser-confocal, Raman, and SEM.
Recirculating Aquaculture System and Aquaria
• 10,000L recirculating aquaculture system, plus freshwater and
marine aquaria.

10. Examples of Successful
Research Services
Evaluating Sustainability of a New Surf Clam Fishery in New Zealand
Client: Cloudy Bay Clams Ltd.
Outcome summary: Establishment of sustainable quota for a new surf clam fishery.
In 2013 we received a national award for research commercialisation.
Microbial Recovery Using Subsurface Drill Technology
Client: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USA.
Outcome summary: Recovery of microbial bio-signatures from a prototype
rover-mounted drill in Mars analogue desert soils.
Pest-Eradication on Seabird Islands
Client: Department of Conservation.
Outcome summary: Systematic measurement of effectiveness of pest eradication for
management, development of restoration plans for seabird islands.
The Hauraki Gulf Use and Values Survey
Client: Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari Partners.
Outcome summary: Interpreting public perception and valuation of the Hauraki Gulf,
to be used in development of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan.

12. Website: www.aenz.aut.ac.nz
Email: aenz@aut.ac.nz
Blogspot: www.kiwi-ecology.blogspot.co.nz
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand
AUT University
34 St Paul Street
Auckland 1010
New Zealand
POSTAL ADDRESS:
Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand
Private Bag 92006
Auckland 1142
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 (9) 921 9999 Ext: 8757
Image credit:
Barbara Bollard-Breen
Kat Bolstad
Matthew Jones
Steph Borrelle
Connect with us now:
@aenz_autappliedecologynz Institute for Applied
Ecology New Zealand