Scion

🎙️ Scaling up native forests will require the same scientific rigour that shaped our radiata pine industry. 🌿 Scion is working to establish more native forests across Aotearoa New Zealand to help the country meet its climate goals. Last week, Establishing Indigenous Forests Portfolio Leader Simeon Smaill spoke with Bryan Gibson on the Farmers Weekly NZ podcast about the opportunities and benefits of native planting — and why New Zealand needs a ‘radiata pine’ moment. 🔗 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gZJSGx2d

🎙️🌿 Branching Out Episode 4, “Tree Top Talks: The State of Forests/Forestry in Aotearoa,” is now live! Host Ki-Taurangi Bradford welcomes back Emeritus Scientist Greg Steward to discuss Indigenous forestry’s role in native tree conservation and the need for sustainable management of species like #rimu, #tōtara, and #kauri. “Investing in these species means investing in our future.” – Greg Steward 🔗 Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gcKpt_fR #IndigenousForestry #Podcast #Forestry #ScionResearch

It was great to welcome Hon. Dr. Shane Reti MP to Scion and Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park—a hub at the heart of New Zealand’s #bioeconomy.     His visit marked the opening of our upgraded #NMR suite, a collaborative investment in New Zealand’s bioeconomy. We were able to show the Minister some of our leading innovations in industrial fermentation, circular economy and bioenergy—key drivers to grow New Zealand’s sustainable, export-led bioeconomy.     #Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty are at the centre of New Zealand’s bioeconomy, so it was a privilege to have the Minister on the whenua to talk with us and innovation partners such as Cetogenix and Compostify (Bioplastics) about how science and innovation can help grow a stronger future for New Zealand. Scion’s end-to-end approach bridges science, industry and commercialisation to unlock new opportunities. We also appreciated the opportunity to show how our partnership with mana whenua centres our work to support the Māori economy.    Thank you, Minister Reti, for your support and for engaging with the Scion team. We look forward to continuing the conversation.  Florian Graichen | Alec Foster | Stefan Hill | Nicole Anderson | Philip Taylor | Science New Zealand | MBIE Science and Innovation | Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ  | New Zealand Forest Owners Association

🌿 Artisan bangles made from all-natural materials could mark a turning point for the fashion industry, thanks to the innovative work of Scion scientists. Our team is at the forefront of developing biodegradable, non-toxic PHBV polymer—a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics that’s making waves in fashion. Naturally pigmented with pine needles and grape pomace (a winemaking by-product), these artisan bangles will debut at the inaugural Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA) Sustainable Solutions Symposium in Nelson on April 10, 2025. In collaboration with Loopback, led by Ingrid Vink of Think Like Vink, this project exemplifies Scion’s leadership in the circular bioeconomy—bringing science-driven innovation to the luxury market. 🔗 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/g_ZATN9x 💬 Ready to make waves in your industry? Partner with us to unlock new opportunities in biomaterial innovation. Get in touch today! Stefan Hill | Anna de Lena | Florian Graichen | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment | #Biomaterials #Bioeconomy #CircularEconomy #SustainableFashion #ScionResearch

🎙️ Branching Out: Reflections on Indigenous Forestry – Episode 4 is coming soon! In this episode, Ki-Taurangi Bradford sits down with Emeritus Scientist Greg Steward to discuss the long-term investment needed for a thriving indigenous forestry industry in Aotearoa. 🌱 Steward emphasises that while it won’t happen overnight, well-funded research and large-scale demonstration trials could drive meaningful change within a decade. Listen to a sneak peek of the conversation and stay tuned for the full episode! #IndigenousForestry #BranchingOut #ScionResearch #EarlyCareerResearcher #EmeritusScientist

🎙️ Branching Out: Reflections on Indigenous Forestry – Episode 4 is almost here! Have you caught up on the latest episodes? Greg Steward reminds us that the opportunity for indigenous forestry in Aotearoa has always been there—we just haven’t seen it in its Visit the full podcast playlist on YouTube to catch up: https://lnkd.in/gzfsy5pa #IndigenousForestry #BranchingOut #ScionResearch #EarlyCareerResearcher #EmeritusScientist

Earlier this year, we launched the 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 booklet, in collaboration with the Rotoiti 15 Trust and the Department of Conservation (DOC). This invaluable resource supports the forestry sector in identifying pests and protecting our native trees, featuring detailed descriptions, large photographs, and a glossary with Māori and scientific names of pests, diseases, and host plants. Access the booklet here: https://lnkd.in/ggzD92Hw While expanding our knowledge of pests is crucial, innovation and collaboration are equally essential to safeguard our forests. That’s why Scion looks forward to attending the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, taking place at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch from 10–11 April. This event will bring together experts, growers, and industry professionals to discuss emerging challenges and explore how technology and innovation can enhance forest protection in Aotearoa. Join the conversation and help shape the future of forest biosecurity! Learn more about the conference below. 🌱

What immediate steps can we take to create a stronger future for indigenous forests? Greg Steward believes visibility is key. 🌱 “I would like to see a suite of large, well-managed plantings… where people could go and see them. If people can actually put their hands on a tree and realise its potential, that might spark real interest.” 🎧 Listen to a sneak peek and stay tuned for the full episode with Early Career Researcher Ki-Taurangi Bradford! #IndigenousForestry #BranchingOut #ScionResearch #EarlyCareerResearcher #EmeritusScientist | MBIE Science and Innovation | Ministry for the Environment | Manatū mō te Taiao | Taiawhio Waipoua-bryers | Jonathan Kilgour

🎙️ Branching Out: Reflections on Indigenous Forestry – Episode 4 is coming soon! 🌿 What does the future of indigenous forests look like? In this episode, Scion Early Career Researcher Ki-Taurangi Bradford speaks with Emeritus Scientist Greg Steward about the most crucial change needed. “We’re not investing in their futures, which means we’re not investing in ours.” Listen to a preview below and stay tuned for the full episode, dropping later this week... #IndigenousForestry #BranchingOut #ScionResearch #EarlyCareerResearcher #EmeritusScientist | Jonathan Kilgour | Roger Dungan | Taiawhio Waipoua-bryers

Scion is driving innovation to enhance New Zealand’s bioeconomy, fostering economic growth and environmental prosperity. A key part of this is our partnership with mana whenua, which ensures Māori perspectives are integrated into the bioeconomy through place-based partnerships. One such collaboration is the three-year Te Rātā Whakamaru Jobs for Resistance programme, funded by the Department of Conservation (DOC) – Te Papa Atawhai through the Jobs for Nature Mahi ō te Taiao programme. The partnership between Scion and Rotoiti 15 Trust has been at the heart of the project’s success. 🎥 Watch the video below for a full overview of the programme and its impact! Darryl Herron | Bronwyn Douglas | Max Yeager | Arapeta Tahana | Apenti Eruera Tamanui-Fransen | Kerri Anne Hancock | Zane Jensen | Rotorua Lakes Council