Te Herenga Waka researcher appointed Chief Executive of Zealandia ecosanctuary
Dr Danielle Shanahan, a Senior Lecturer in Conservation Management from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Biological Sciences, has been announced as the next Chief Executive of Zealandia. An iconic Wellington institution, Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, home to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife.
Dr Danielle Shanahan, a Senior Lecturer in Conservation Management from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Biological Sciences, has been announced as the next Chief Executive of Zealandia. An iconic Wellington institution, Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, home to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife.
The University has long had a close connection with Zealandia, working together to make Wellington a hub of world-leading biodiversity, conservation, and ecological restoration. Countless students have begun their journey in ecology and restoration through field and research experiences in the sanctuary, and it also provides a unique place for long-term research into species such as kākā, hihi, and toutouwai normally found hundreds of kilometres from cities.
In more recent years, Dr Shanahan has played a key role in growing the University’s cross-disciplinary connection with the sanctuary through research undertaken in areas including Environmental Sciences, Architecture, and Business and Government.
“I’m delighted to be part of such an exciting organisation, with a very bright future,” says Dr Shanahan. “Zealandia’s partnership with our University is already strong, but I look forward to continuing to grow our learning about how to create a sustainable future where biodiversity can thrive alongside people.”
Dr Shanahan is currently Zealandia’s Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of its Centre for People and Nature. She will continue working closely with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington once she takes up her new role on 15 November.
Professor Louise Dixon, Acting Dean of the Wellington Faculty of Science, congratulated Dr Shanahan on her appointment. “This University has a strong focus on close collaboration with leading like-minded institutions, which enables our researchers to contribute across a variety of sectors and communities and provides unique opportunities for our students and graduates. This appointment reflects, and will further enhance, our much-valued and productive collaboration with Zealandia.”