I am a plant pathologist and the leader of the Innovative Plant Pathology group here at Plant & Food Research and I also lead the national programme Ngā Rākau Taketake – Saving our iconic trees from kauri dieback and myrtle rust. My research focus has predominantly been on foliar diseases and understanding the relationship between fungal endophytes and pathogens on host plants in cropped and natural ecosystems. This encompasses diseases caused by fungi and oomycetes. I have been involved in a wide variety of biosecurity research, including the identification and quantification of overseas disease risks. As well as diseases that threaten or impact New Zealand’s primary industry crops, I have also been involved in the myrtle rust and kauri dieback responses, undertaking or overseeing research for both diseases. This has included working directly with Māori researchers and mana whenua kaitiaki to develop management solutions for myrtle rust that are culturally acceptable. I have extensive experience working in forest ecosystems both commercial plantation and native, and since joining Plant & Food Research in 2019, my expertise has extended to the horticultural sector, including nurseries.

• Orcid profile

  Research history and publications