Kia Pākiki Canterbury
Kia Pākiki Canterbury is a monthly podcast presented by the Canterbury branch of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Each episode explores research and mahi in science, technology, and the humanities, both in Canterbury and further afield. The show covers topics at the intersection of science, society, and the ideas that shape our lives. It aims to spark curiosity in listeners about the work of researchers and practitioners in the region.
Episodes
Kia Pākiki - E11: Life in the soil
We talk to Lincoln University soil ecologist and macrophotographer Frank Ashwood about his book The World Beneath Our Feet: The Hidden Life of Soil and Why It Matters to Us All. Then Charlotte Alster, also from Lincoln University, discusses soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. Finally, Tom and Adrian talk about boardgames that feature science.
Kia Pākiki Extra: Shea Esterling
Shea Esterling from Canterbury University discusses her work researching indigenous rights and dark sky sites in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. An edited version of this interview appears in Episode 10.
Kia Pākiki Extra: Samantha Lawler
Visiting Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury, astronomy professor Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina, Canada, talks deep space and dark skies. An edited version of this interview appears in Episode 10.
Kia Pākiki - E10: Matariki, deep space, and dark skies
Our July episode is a celebration of Matariki and the stars. Canterbury University Indigenous philosopher Emma Maurice discusses Matariki as it's observed in Te Waipounamu/the South Island and in her whānau. Then, visiting Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury, astronomy professor Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina, Canada, talks deep space and dark skies. Finally, Shea Est
Kia Pākiki - E09: Plants, concrete, and insects
Molecular biologist Samarth shares fascinating research about plants and their abilities – including why they really do like classical music. Then Guiseppe Loporcaro discusses concrete 3D printing for the construction industry. Lastly, Adrian interviews Lincoln University Entomology Research Collection curator John Marris about his mahi.
Kia Pākiki - E08: Ōtauhati Christchurch landmarks
Mike Steenson, park ranger at Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush, joins us to talk about the new upgrades to the reserve, then we chat with classics scholar Gary Morrison about the history and symbolism of Christchurch’s Bridge of Remembrance. Finally, Adrian shares thoughts on science and science fiction.
Kia Pākiki - E07: Yellow-legged hornets and zombie spiders
We chat with Mateus Detoni about his work on bees, wasps and invasive hornets. Then, Royal Society travel grant recipients Usha Mendis and Jean-Louise Roberts tell us about their fascinating research into possum control and the elusive mermithid nematode.
Kia Pākiki - E06: Fatherhood and gulls
Suzy Hodgson from Ara joins us to discuss her NICU Dads study, which surveys new fathers of babies who've been through neonatal intensive care. Then Adrian interviews Lincoln University's Wendy Fox about her work on black-backed gulls. We also discuss the scientific processes of publication and peer review.
Kia Pākiki - E05: Christchurch Archeology
We check in with Nerd Nite Christchurch and the Children's University. Our main interview this month is with the Christchurch Archeology Project's Katharine Watson, who discusses her mahi and the February exhibition, Cathedral Square Unearthed. We close by chatting to Jaz Brash, who's researching Batten Disease at Lincoln University.
Kia Pākiki - E04: Bug of the Year and educational AI
We kick off 2026 with an interview with the Entomological Society of New Zealand’s Morgane Merien about Bug of the Year. Then Tom and Adrian discuss facts and the probabilistic worldview, before welcoming back Amit Sarkar for another discussion about artificial intelligence. Amit and Ara lecturer Selena Chan discuss AI as it pertains to the classroom and lecture hall, including topics such as data
Kia Pākiki - E03: Wildlife management
We've a pair of interviews this month on animal behaviour and management. Professor Elissa Cameron (Ngāi Tahu, Ōtākou) discusses a career that's taken her from Kaimanawa to Kenya, researching behaviour in animals including giraffes, quokkas, and Tasmanian devils. Then Professor James Ross talks about possums and rats, the mahi of Predator Free 2050, and his numerous projects in the field of pest m
Kia Pākiki - E02: Medical science
Canterbury University bioengineering PhD candidate Jordan Hill joins us to discuss her research into measuring venous blood oxygen. Her poster summarising her findings thus far won the Health Research Society of Canterbury’s 2025 poster expo. Then Professor Richard Beasley, founder and director of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), conducts a wide-ranging kōrero about his caree
Kia Pākiki - E01: Jumping spiders and generative AI
We introduce Kia Pākiki Canterbury in chats with Royal Society Canterbury Branch President Roger Fagg and show hosts Tom Goulter and Adrian Paterson. Entomologist Cor Vink talks about Ourea, the new genus of jumping spiders discovered in Canterbury, then we discuss AI and its implications for society with Ara computing lecturer Amit Sarkar.
