Films on researchers highlight why expertise matters
A new documentary film series highlights the work of leading New Zealand researchers as they dedicate their lives to illuminating and protecting different aspects of one of our most precious resources—water.
Each episode of ‘Water—Rapuhia, kimiha: Quest for knowledge’ and accompanying podcast demonstrates the passion, ingenuity and resilience of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington academics producing research of vital importance to New Zealand and the world.
The latest episode features research on sea-level rise, presented by Professor Tim Naish from the Antarctic Research Centre. In this episode we learn that Professor Naish didn’t want to go to Antarctica to study as a postgraduate student—he thought it would be a tough place to do research. These days he knows the real challenge lies in understanding how what happens in Antarctica will impact sea-level rise worldwide and then convincing the international community of the necessity to act. While his colleague Associate Professor Nick Golledge heads to Antarctica to gather up-to-the-minute data on ice sheet movement, we follow Professor Naish to Whitehall, London, to present his findings to an international audience.
Along with Professor Naish’s episode, Dr Mike Joy, a Senior Research Fellow in the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies in the University’s Wellington School of Business and Government, takes his research team into the field to bring new data to the discussions about our fresh water, and Professor Catherine Iorns from the University’s Faculty of Law explores legal protection of our rivers and waterways.
The series has been made by Magpie Content Creation with the support of NZ on Air. The films are directed by Magnolia Lowe and the podcasts are produced and presented by Teresa Cowie.
“At a time when many have lost faith in expertise and feel overwhelmed by fake news, conspiracy theories and armchair experts, ‘Water—Rapuhia, kimiha: Quest for knowledge’ puts the value of scientific research front and centre,” says Ms Lowe.
“As New Zealand emerges from the constraints of COVID-19 and the discussion shifts to how we choose to reset the economy—and our priorities—the documentaries and accompanying podcasts form a vital part of the conversation.”
Episodes 1 and 2 (and accompanying podcasts) of ‘Water—Rapuhia, kimiha: Quest for knowledge’ are available on Newsroom now; Episode 3 and its accompanying podcast will be available from Friday 22 May.