UNESCO New Zealand

International

Aotearoa/New Zealand

Key Initiatives

Natural Science Sub Commission Members

International

UNESCO is the only United Nations specialised agency with “Science”  inscribed in its name and with a specific mandate to promote science.  UNESCO promotes international cooperation in science in the interests of peace, human rights and development. 

Aotearoa/New Zealand

In New Zealand, in addition to the intersectoral priorities of the National Commission, the goal of the Natural Science Sub Commission programme is to mobilise science knowledge and policy for sustainable development.

The key priorities for 2009 to 2010 are:

• promoting public fora to discuss and propose sustainable development options
• participating in national and international meetings on natural resource use
• supporting national senior school science prizes that raise the profile of science in schools and promote the important contribution of science and technology to New Zealand’s future
• promoting the participation of women in science
• contributing to the campaign for adding the Night Sky to the World Heritage List

Key Initiatives

Realise the Dream

This national prestigious event takes place once a year and enables secondary students who have undertaken outstanding science research or technological development to participate in a travelling road-show which starts in Auckland and finishes in Wellington.  Along the way the students will visit various science organisations such as the Leigh Marine Centre, Liggins Institute, DairyNZ, Massey University as well as spend the afternoon with Genesis Energy (principal sponsor) where they will be given a special tour of their 'plant' at Tokaanu. They will also participate in an activity at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre which will challenge their team building skills and enjoy many social activities. The event concludes in Wellington with an award ceremony where monetary and travel awards are presented which includes an 'outstanding' award sponsored by The National Commission for UNESCO. Realise the Dream is a joint project in which the National Commission works in cooperation with the Royal Society of NZ, Dairy NZ and Genesis Energy.

For more information go to the event webpage http://www.realisethedream.org.nz/

Natural Science Sub Commission Members

Dr W Andrew Matthews (Chair)
NZ National Commission for UNESCO
Director, AM-NZ Services

Associate Professor Rosemary Du Plessis
Sociology and Gender Studies
School of Social and Political Sciences
University of Canterbury/Te Whare Wānanga O Waitaha

Dr Jan Gregor
Science Leader, Water Group
Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR)

Dr Richard Ibbitt
Principle Water Resources Scientist
National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA)/Taihoro Nukurangi

Ian Kennedy
Director
National Science-Technology Roadshow Trust (The Roadshow)

Ella Lawton
Sustainable Practice Advisor and Project Manager,
Centre for Sustainable Practice, Otago Polytechnic.
Sub-Warden, Selwyn College.

Emma McDonald
Advisor, International Division
Ministry of Research, Science and Technology/Te Manatū Pūtaiao

Dr Els Maas
Environmental Microbiologist
National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA)/
Taihoro Nukurangi

Dr Mere Roberts
School of Anthropology
Auckland University/Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau