Across the Tasman: Growing partnerships for greater impact
As the August edition of the CISS Chronicle hit inboxes, key CISS staff were in New Zealand presenting at the 2026 Australasian Weeds Conference and staying on for vital conversations on shared invasive species challenges. The visit strengthened CISS’s international connections and opened opportunities to combine expertise and investment to accelerate practical solutions.
The CISS team of Sean Freney, Business and Science Portfolio Manager, Shauna Chadlowe, CEO and Dr John Virtue, Director of Research, Development and Engagement, at the Australasian Weeds Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The conference was an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships, explore potential collaborations and learn from researchers, practitioners, governments and industry. It was inspiring to see the depth of expertise and innovation in weed prevention, detection, biocontrol and management across Australia and New Zealand, and the opportunities to share these advances across the Tasman.
Following the conference, the team attended a workshop with the newest CISS member, the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) to explore shared priorities where there was opportunity to learn about common challenges such as invasive grasses, rabbit and weed biocontrol and future technologies. Discussions revealed strong alignment with CISS’s work and opportunities to bring complementary expertise into projects benefiting both countries.
The team then met with both the Ministry for Primary Industries and Department of Conservation in Wellington. Both meetings reinforced shared priorities and strong interest in collaborating to develop practical solutions to invasive species challenges.
These growing relationships extend CISS’s international reach and influence, creating opportunities to deliver greater benefits for agriculture, biodiversity and communities on both sides of the Tasman.
Arnaud Cartier (centre) leading a tour of the insect rearing facility for CISS staff Shauna Chadlowe and John Virtue at BSI NZ’s centre in Lincoln, New Zealand.