Professor Amanda Black

Ko Maungapōhatu te maunga
Ko Tauranga te awa
Ko Matahi te marae
Ko Ngāi Tama te hapu
Ko Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, me te Whānau a Āpanui te iwi
Ko Amanda Black ahau

My research area is in environmental soil chemistry and biochemistry, focusing on the health of soil ecosystems. My current areas of focus are understanding the relationship between gene expression and soil productivity such as carbon storage; halting kauri dieback through discovery of disease suppressive traits in soils; and focusing on biosecurity and climate change issues that are of concern to Maori and indigenous communities. I am the director of Bioprotection Aotearoa which is a national centre of research excellence (CoRE) that collaborates across 11 partner organisations across New Zealand. It conducts innovative research framed by Māori values, to develop approaches that make our productive and valued ecosystems resistant and resilient in the face of increasing threats from pathogens, pests, and weeds, which are exacerbated by climate change. 

I have a strong background in incorporating mātauranga Māori and facilitating inter-team interactions and collaborations. In 2019 I received the Te Tupu-ā-Rangi Award for Health and Science at the Matariki Awards, Māori Television. In 2018 I was awarded the MPI NZ Biosecurity Award (AsureQuality - Emerging Leader). I have recently held Ministerial appointments with the Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Primary Industries.