These four interconnected PhD projects form a collaborative research programme between Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury and Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation to improve understanding and conservation of New Zealand's iconic braided river ecosystems. Together, the projects investigate the ecological processes that underpin ecosystem resilience, from the role of stable spring habitats and freshwater food webs to the impacts of invasive aquatic plants, the persistence of threatened freshwater fish, and the drivers of braided river bird populations. By integrating field ecology, long-term monitoring, spatial and quantitative analyses, and working closely with DOC scientists, iwi and conservation partners, the research will generate practical knowledge to guide freshwater restoration, biodiversity conservation and evidence-based management of these nationally significant ecosystems.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for more than one of the advertised projects where appropriate. A single application form is used for all projects, and applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred project or projects as part of the application.