About Nick
Nick completed his PhD on forage and pastoral plant pathology at Ruakura Research Centre before joining HortResearch to work on berryfruit diseases, biological control of invasive weeds and plant pathogens, and the infamous toxic black mould Stachybotrys chartarum that featured in Auckland’s leaky buildings crisis. He joined Manaaki Whenua where he worked with the late Ross Beever on plant diseases affecting native taonga plants, leading to his current work on Phytophthora agathidicida, or kauri dieback disease.
Dr Nick Waipara was one of the original 3 co-founders of Te Tira Whakamātaki, which came about as a result of the need to bring national focus on the management of Aotearoa’s taonga species. He currently works with Auckland Regional Council and Manaaki Whenua Biological Heritage National Science Challenge, providing specific scientific advice on kauri dieback, managing projects in regional kauri parklands, including the Waitākere Ranges.
Nick is passionate about bringing a more collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to the sector, with the aim of enhancing and restoring land and freshwater ecosystems. He aims to do this by deepening the appreciation of native species and delivering a step change in research innovation, world-leading technologies and community and sector action.