Measuring a banded kōkopu. Photo: Raewyn Empson.
Zealandia is a living laboratory. We work closely with New Zealand’s leading educational institutions to provide unique research opportunities. With a wide range of habitats and some of New Zealand’s most threatened species living wild just minutes from town, our sanctuary valley has become a unique living laboratory for students of all ages.
Useful forms for tertiary students:
- KST Guidelines for conducting research (Word doc)
- KST Application form for research (Word Doc)
Some of the current and past research projects Zealandia (Karori Sanctuary Trust) has facilitated:
| Authors | Year | Institution | Type | Title | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watts, C., Empson, R., Thornburrow, D., and Rohan, M. |
2012 | Landcare Research, Karori Sanctuary Trust, Department of Conservation. | Movements, behaviour and survival of adult Cook Strait giant weta (Deinacrida rugosa; Anostostomatidae: Orthoptera) immediately after translocation as revealed by radiotracking |
Journal of insect conservation 16(5): 763-776. (Journal Article, 2012) Abstract |
|
| Ewen, J. G., Armstrong, D.P., Empson, R., Jack, S., Makan, T., McInnes, K., Parker, K. A., Richardson, K., and Alley, M. | 2012 | multiple | Parasite management in translocations: lessons from a threatened New Zealand bird | Oryx doi:10.1017/S0030605311001281 (firstview article – full citation to come) Abstract |
|
| Parlato, E.H, and Armstrong, D.P. | 2011 | Massey University | An integrated approach for predicting fates of reintroductions with demographic data from multiple populations | Conservation Biology 26(1): 97-106 Abstract | Full |
|
| Rippon, R.J, Alley, M.R, and Castro, I. | 2011 | Massey University | Causes of mortality in a nestling population of free-living hihi (stitchbird—Notiomystis cincta) | New Zealand Journal of Zoology 38(3): 207-222 Abstract |
|
| Ruarus, S.P., Paquette, S.R., Hale, K., Ritchie, P.A. | 2011 | Victoria University of Wellington and Canterbury University | Genetic diversity and population viability in translocated North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater) populations at Zealandia Karori Sanctuary and Kapiti Island | New Zealand Journal of Ecology 35(3): 220-228 Abstract | Full |
|
| Menzies, I.J., and Burns, K.C. | 2010 | Victoria University of Wellington | Temporal shifts in the pair-bond dynamics of New Zealand robins (Petroica australis) | New Zealand Journal of Ecology 34(2):265:268 Abstract | Full |
|
| Rippon, R.J. | 2010 | Massey University | MSc | Nestling mortality in a translocated population of hihi/stitchbirds (Notiomystis cincta) | Thesis Abstract | Full |
| Rippon, R.J., Alley, M.R., and Castro, I. | 2010 | Massey University | Candida albicans infection in free-living populations of hihi (stitchbird; Notiomystis cincta) | New Zealand Veterinary Journal 58(6): 299-306 Abstract |
|
| Wood, S.A., Prentice, M.J., Smith, K., Hamilton, D.P. | 2010 | multiple | Low dissolved inorganic nitrogen and increased heterocyte frequency: precursors to Anabaena planktonica blooms in a temperate, eutrophic reservoir | Journal of Plankton Research 32(9): 1315-1325 Abstract | Full |
|
| Menzies, I.J. | 2009 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | Dynamic mechanisms for winter co-existence and a review of food hoarding in the New Zealand robin | Thesis for BSc(Hons) in Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Burns, K.C. | 2009 | Victoria University of Wellington | Fine-scale food hoarding decisions in New Zealand Robins (Petroica australis): is inter-sexual competition important? | Journal of Ornithology 150(2): 321-328 Abstract |
|
| Lukis, K. | 2009 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | Returning an endemic frog to the New Zealand mainland: Transfer and adaptive management of Leiopelma pakekaat Karori Sanctuary, Wellington | Thesis Abstract | Full |
| McGavin, S. | 2009 | University of New England, Armidale | Density and pair fidelity in a translocated population of North Island robin (Petroica longipes) | Notornis 56(4): 206-212 Abstract | Full |
|
| McGavin, S. | 2009 | University of New England, Armidale | Footedness in North Island kaka (Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis) | Notornis 56(3): 139-143 Abstract | Full |
|
| Menzies, I.J., and Burns, K.C. | 2008 | Victoria University of Wellington | Book chapter | Food hoarding in the New Zealand robin: A review and synthesis | In: Weber, E.A. & Krause L.H. (Eds.) Animal Behaviour: New Research (pp.163-183) New York, Nova Science Abstract |
| McAlpine, K.G., Jesson, L.K., and Kubien, D.S. | 2008 | multiple | Photosynthesis and water-use efficiency: a comparison between invasive (exotic) and non-invasive (native) species | Austral Ecology 33(1): 10-19 Abstract |
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| Blick R., Bartholomew, R., Burrell, T., and Burns, K.C. | 2008 | Victoria University of Wellington | Successional dynamics after pest eradication in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary | New Zealand Natural Sciences 33:3-14 Full |
|
| Hunt, S., Low, J., and Burns, K.C. | 2008 | Victoria University of Wellington | Adaptive numerical competency in a food-hoarding songbird | Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 275(1649): 2373-2379 Abstract | Full |
|
| McAlpine, K.G., and Jesson, L.K. | 2008 | Victoria University of Wellington | Linking seed dispersal, germination and seedling recruitment in the invasive Berberis dawinii (Darwin’s barberry) | Plant Ecology 197(1): 119-129 Abstract |
|
| Prentice, M.J. | 2008 | University of Waikato | MSc | Temporal and spatial variations of cyanobacteria in Karori Reservoir, Wellington | Thesis Abstract | Full |
| Steer J., and Burns, K.C. | 2008 | Victoria University of Wellington | Seasonal variation in male-female competition, cooperation and selfish hoarding in a monogamous songbird | Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 62(7): 1175-1183 Abstract |
|
| Vesey, S.E. | 2008 | Lincoln University | M. Appl Sci | Cost Utility analysis of Department of Conservation and non-government organisation multiple species conservation projects in New Zealand | Thesis |
| Burns, K.C., and Van Horik, J. | 2007 | Victoria University of Wellington | Sexual differences in food re-caching by New Zealand robins Petroica australis | Journal of Avian Biology 38(3): 394-398 Abstract |
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| Hicks, B. J., Hamilton, D.P., Ling, N., and Wood, S. | 2007 | University of Waikato | Contract report | Top down or bottom up? Feasibility of water clarity restoration in the lower Karori Reservoir by fish removal | Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research Contract Report No. 70, the University of Waikato, Hamilton. Report prepared for the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Trust. Abstract | Full |
| McAlpine, K.G., & Jesson, L.K. | 2007 | Victoria University of Wellington | Biomass allocation, shade tolerance and seedling survival of the invasive Berberis dawinii (Darwin’s barberry) | New Zealand Journal of Ecology 31(1): 1-12 Abstract | Full |
|
| McKenzie, K.L. | 2007 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | Returning tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) to the New Zealand mainland | Thesis |
| Smith, K.F., and Lester, P.J. | 2006 | Victoria University of Wellington | Cyanobacterial blooms appear to be driven by top-down rather than bottom-up effects in the Lower Karori reservoir (Wellington New Zealand) | New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 40(1): 53-63 Abstract | Full |
|
| Burns, K.C., and Steer, J. | 2006 | Victoria University of Wellington | Dominance rank influences food hoarding in New Zealand Robins Petroica australis | Ibis 148(2):266-272 Abstract |
|
| Steer, J.E.S. | 2006 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | Seasonality of food use and caching in New Zealand robins (Petroica australis) | Thesis for MSc in Ecology & Biodiversity, Victoria University Abstract | Full |
| Steer, J., and Van Horik, J. | 2006 | Victoria University of Wellington | North Island robin (Petroica australis longipes) food caches are stolen by stitchbirds (Notiomystis cincta) and bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) | Notornis 53: 315-316 Full |
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| Derraik, J.G.B., and Heath, A.C.G. | 2005 | University of Otago & AgResearch | Immature Diptera (excluding Culicidae) inhabiting phytotelmata in the Auckland and Wellington regions | New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 39: 981-987 Abstract | Full |
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| Derraik, J.G.B. | 2005 | University of Otago | Mosquitoes breeding in phytotelmata in native forests in the Wellington region, New Zealand. | New Zealand Journal of Ecology 29(2): 185-191 Abstract | Full |
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| Hicks, S. | 2004 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | The Translocation of whiteheads (Mohoua albicilla) from Kapiti Island into Karori Wildlife Sanctuary | Thesis for MSc in Ecology, Victoria University |
| McAlpine, K.G. | 2005 | Victoria University of Wellington | PhD | Seeding recruitment of the Invasive species Berberis darwinii (Darwin’s Barberry): what contributes to invasion success? | Thesis for PhD in Science, Victoria University Abstract | Full |
| Miskelly, C., Empson, R., and Wright, K. | 2005 | Department of Conservation, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, & Greater Wellington Regional Council | Forest birds recolonising Wellington | Notornis 52: 21-26 Abstract | Full |
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| Smith, K.F. | 2005 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc Ecology & Biodiversity | Trophic interactions promoting dominance by cyanobacteria in a freshwater pelagic food web | Thesis for MSc in Ecology and Biodiversity, Victoria University Abstract | Full |
| Delgado, J.A., and Palma, R.L. | 2004 | Te Papa Tongarewa | Larval stages of Podaena latipalpis from New Zealand and phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily Orchymontiinae based on larval characters (Insecta:Coleoptera:Hydraenidae) | New Zealand Journal of Zoology 31: 327-342 Abstract | Full |
|
| Gamage, H. | 2004 | Victoria University of Wellington | PhD | Comparative Growth Performance of Congeneric Homoblastic & Heteroblastic seedlings to changes in light environment | Thesis for PhD in Plant Ecology, Victoria University |
| Ochoa, C.R. | 2004 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | Diet & stomach content analysis of house mice (Mus musculus) in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellington New Zealand | Thesis for BSc Hons in Ecology and Biodiversity, Victoria University |
| Belcher, S. | 2004 | Massey University | MSc | The urban release of captive-reared kaka at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary | Thesis for MSc in Ecology, Massey University |
| Small, D. | 2004 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | Survival, breeding success & habitat selection of North Island robins translocated to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary | Thesis for MSc in Ecology , Victoria University |
| Wood, S. | 2004 | Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University | PhD | Bloom Forming and Toxic Cyanobacteria in New Zealand Species Diversity and Distribution, Cyanotoxin Production and Accumulation of Microcystins in Selected Freshwater Organisms | Thesis for PhD in Biology, Victoria University and Massey University Abstract | Full |
| Lester, P.J. and Pike, A.J. | 2003 | Victoria University of Wellington | Container surface area and water depth influence the population dynamics of the mosquito Culex pervigilans (Diptera: Culicidae) and its associated predators in New Zealand | Journal of Vector Ecology 28(2): 267-274 Full |
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| McAlpine, K.G. and Drake, D.R. | 2003 | Victoria University of Wellington | Effects of small-scale environmental heterogeneity on seed germination in experimental treefall gaps in New Zealand. | Plant Ecology 165: 207-215 Abstract |
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| McLean, S. | 2003 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | Local Adaptation and Microsite Limitation | Thesis for MSc in Ecology and Biodiversity, Victoria University |
| Mundaca, E.A. | 2002 | Victoria University of Wellington | M Cons Sci | Light trapped forest Lepidoptera as bioindicators: implications for conservation monitoring and ecological restoration | Thesis for MConsSci, Victoria University |
| Wilson, J. | 2001 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | Light and heat requirements for the germination of three native New Zealand tree species under field and laboratory conditions | Thesis for BSc Hons, Victoria University |
| Delgado, J.A. and Palma, R.L. | 2000 | Te Papa Tongarewa | Taxonomic review of the genus Orchymontia (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) | New Zealand Entomologist 22: 23-32 Abstract | Full |
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| Kinaston, Pita | 2000 | Massey University | B App Sci Environmental Health | An investigation into Cyanobacteria in selected Wellington reservoirs and lakes | Thesis for B ApplSci in Environmental Health, Massey University |
| Hodson, Dave | 1999 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | Effects of changes in light availability on herbivory in three native New Zealand shrub species | Thesis for BSc Hons, Victoria University |
| Mahat, S. | 1999 | Victoria University of Wellington | MConSci | Response of New Zealand shrub species to damage induced by the felling of pines | Thesis for MConSci, Victoria University |
| McAlpine, Kate G | 1999 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | The effects of small-scale heterogeneity on seed germination in treefall gaps | Project for BScHons in Ecology, Victoria University |
| Moles, A.T., and Drake, D.R. | 1999 | Victoria University of Wellington | Potential contributions of the seed rain and seed bank to regeneration of native forest under plantation pine in New Zealand | New Zealand Journal of Botany 37: 83-93 Abstract | Full |
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| Moles, A.T., and Drake, D.R. | 1999 | Victoria University of Wellington | Post-dispersal seed predation on eleven large-seeded species from the New Zealand flora: a preliminary study in secondary forest | New Zealand Journal of Botany 37: 679-85 Abstract | Full |
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| Stokes, K. | 1999 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | Response of broom and pine seedlings to gap creation in a pine forest | Thesis for BSc Hons, Victoria University |
| Berndt, L. | 1998 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | Aspects of the ecology of ground-active spiders (Araneae) of the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellington. | Thesis for MSc Hons in Zoology, Victoria University |
| Stoffregen, H. | 1998 | Victoria University of Wellington | MConSci | Ecology of the possum (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) in the Karori Water Supply Reserve, Wellington, Sounds Ecological District. | Thesis for MConSci, Victoria University |
| Moles, A.T. | 1997 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | Seed rain, seed bank, and vegetation under plantation pine in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellington. | Thesis for BSc Hons, Victoria University |
| Ward, N. | 1997 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc | Impact of urbanisation on water quality and hydrology of Kaiwharawhara Stream | Thesis for MSc, Victoria University |
| Young, N. | 1997 | University of Otago | Post Grad Diploma Tourism thesis | Potentially Positive: The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary and Wildlife Viewing Recreation in the Wellington Region | Thesis for Post Grad Dip in Tourism |
| Halliday, J. | 1995 | Victoria University of Wellington | BSc Hons | A macroinvertebrate assessment of water quality in the Kaiwharawhara stream, Wellington. | Project for BSc Hons in Zoology, Victoria University |
| Hoeksma, Peet | 1995 | Victoria University of Wellington | MSc Hons Geography | Reaction to change: erosion, sedimentation and base level change in Upper Karori Reservoir, Wellington, New Zealand | Thesis for MScHons in Geography, Victoria University |