Coasts and Estuaries key contacts

Andrew specialises in estuarine sedimentary processes and biogeomorphology, with 25 years experience as a research scientist. He holds a BSc and MSc (1st Class Honours, University of Auckland) and a PhD (The University of Queensland).  Specialist skills and interests include sediment geochronology, sediment-source tracing using compound specific stable isotope (CSSI)   techniques, mangrove ecology and morphological evolution, geostatistical methods and land use impacts on estuaries.  Andrew leads NIWA’s Catchments to Estuaries Programme, which is focused on understanding and predicting the connections between catchments and estuaries to improve the management of diffuse-source contaminants (i.e., fine sediments, nutrients and microbes) in estuaries. 

Andrew’s research involves multi-disciplinary research collaborations with scientists from NZ and international institutions. Projects include reconstruction of environmental changes using CSSI and radioisotope techniques, investigating human impacts on estuarine sedimentation regimes, predicting effects of fine suspended sediments and dissolved substances on estuarine water clarity, and the biophysical processes and feedbacks driving mangrove-forest ecology and biogeomorphic evolution. Andrew applies techniques and understanding gained from research to assist resource managers with integrated catchment-estuary management. 

Vonda is a marine ecologist with interest in the diversity and functioning of coastal seafloor communities and habitats and the environmental factors that influence them. Her research is focused on the implications of acidification, climate change and other anthropogenically-derived changes to our oceans, and how they influence key components of NZ and Antarctic ecosystems – now and into the future.

Daniel has headed up NIWA’s Protecting Marine Biodiversity programme since 2020. He and the NIWA biodiversity and collections team work to grow and disseminate knowledge and data on New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, so that it can be better protected and managed it in the future. Daniel is a benthic ecologist interested in community ecology, food webs and ecosystem functioning, as well as a marine nematode taxonomist.

Darcel works closely with the General Manager – Māori and Pacific Partnerships, the Pou Whakarae – Te Hiringa Taiao and NIWA’s Operations Management Team to implement NIWA’s bicultural organisational development strategy. She works to enhance existing processes, develop and lead new initiatives and provide strategic advice and support.

Darcel also leads the science communication and outreach programme for Te Kūwaha; NIWA’s Māori workforce development and cultural competency programme; and Te Piko o te Māhuri – NIWA's Māori Capability Development programme. 

Erica joined NIWA in 1995 and has been a member of NIWA’s Te Kūwaha team since its inception. As Chief Scientist, Erica is responsible for driving high standards of quality, excellence, and innovation in NIWA’s science leadership in the Māori Environmental Research area. Erica has an extensive research career in the freshwater space with a focus on supporting the research aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi. Erica is also a key mentor for Te Kūwaha team members and NIWA staff who engage in Māori environmental research.