Nelson Science Stories

Breeding Greenshell mussels posed unique challenges, as their short lifespans required cryopreservation, a technique never before achieved for mussel eggs. Cawthron partnered with AgResearch experts, forming a dedicated team that made a global breakthrough.

Established in 1917 to honour founder Thomas Cawthron, this lecture series featured notable speakers like Rutherford and Hillary. It was revived in 1990 after a 10 year pause. A memorable 1992 lecture by 91-year-old Sir Mark Oliphant, tracked 3 notable discoveries in the 1890s, delivering a powerful warning on science's role in global crises.

Cawthron benefited greatly from Prof. Kosuge’s influence, though at the time his full stature was not appreciated. His reputation rescued a senior Japanese scientist’s sabbatical. Cultural bridges proved invaluable. I tried to reassure a distressed PhD student from Japan. The professor received a 70th birthday, Nelson artist Daryl Robertson.

Two stories: Cawthron detected a toxic algae off Tauranga Harbour. At industry’s urging we issued a press release which led to a challenging interview with Kim Hill. The mussel breeding program had been secret for several years, amid concerns about IP leaking offshore. When NIWA announced a new aquaculture centre, we arranged a public launch of our program a week earlier.

In 2001, Cawthron’s Dr. Alison Haywood won a prestigious UNESCO-L’Oréal award, the only Southern Hemisphere winner. The next year, Dr. Jenny Smith also won, surprising judges. A decade later, Zoe Hilton repeated the feat—an exceptional achievement for Cawthron and Nelson. Cawthron senior scientists Dr Lesley Rhodes was the encouragement behind their applications.