Research at MWLR

How to manage our land resources is a fundamental issue facing Aotearoa New Zealand.

Current research undertaken by MWLResearch address this by exploring ways to enhance soil, water & land resources.

How do we use land more sustainably, reduce the impact of land use on freshwater and provide he whenua koiora (better use resources for intergenerational well-being)?

Enhancing soils, water & land

People & environment

Science and mātauranga Māori

MWLR is the Crown Research Institute for our land environment and biodiversity. Its purpose is ‘Science for our land and our future’.

MWLR wants to ensure all New Zealanders have the knowledge, understanding and tools to live in harmony with our land by enjoying its many gifts, preserving its unique diversity, and enriching it with our creativity, care and culture.

Key areas or research contributing to this goal are:

Land & soil resources

People & environment

Science and mātauranga Māori

Nationwide surveys

New Zealand Colony Loss Survey

A survey of beekeepers

The survey is carried out yearly, funded by MPI and the beekeeping industry, to deliver a “baseline” of information about the status of bees and the challenges that beekeepers face. Survey topics include the number and nature of over-winter colony losses, queen health and performance, indicators of diseases and parasites, treatment of Varroa, supplemental feeding, and colony management.

Colony Loss Survey

Survey of Rural Decision Makers (SRDM)

SRDM one of the largest and longest-running rural surveys in the world.

SRDM is a biennial survey of New Zealand’s primary sector and is designed to build a better picture of decision making at the farm level. It is a valuable resource for policy makers, regional councils, industry groups and businesses. It covers commercial farmers, foresters and growers as well as lifestyle block owners from Cape Reinga to Rakiura.

Survey of Rural Decision Makers

Our latest news

See all news