The fight against Caulerpa: hear from expert panel
Tuesday 29 July 2025
Invasive Caulerpa seaweed is a huge threat to our marine environment and it's now in multiple parts of the Hauraki Gulf.
Hear from two OBC members; Verdon Kelliher and Steve Harris. Motivated by their concerns, Verdon and Steve are heavily involved with efforts to eradicate Caulerpa, alongside their professional careers.
Sophia White, Caulerpa Programme Manager for Biosecurity New Zealand will also present.
Get the latest information, including:
- Different methods of management / eradication and the organisations involved
- Funding the projects
- Lessons learnt so far, including from overseas
- How the spread of Caulerpa in the Hauraki Gulf will impact boating this summer
- What recreational boaties can do
- Ask your questions
Bar open from 6.00pm, speakers start at 6.30pm
Free to attend
Please REGISTER ONLINE HERE
Don't miss this important event
SPEAKERS:
Verdon Helliher is Chair of Conquer Caulerpa Charitable Trust. The trust works closely with iwi, scientists, local communities, and government agencies to take action on the ground.
Steve Harris has been assisting Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT), to develop UVC Light Array which is being used to control Caulerpa. AAT are very active in the public aquarium space and have worked extensively with places like Kelly Tarltons and other aquariums worldwide.
Sophia White has worked in biosecurity – mainly marine biosecurity – for over a decade, initially with Northland Regional Council and since 2020 with Biosecurity New Zealand. She has held strategic and programme leadership roles. She lives in Whangarei and enjoys surfing, diving and fishing.
