Colin Meurk ONZM (born 1947) is a New Zealand ecologist.
Colin Meurk | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Meurk in 2021 | |
| Born | Colin Douglas Meurk 1947 (age 76–77) |
| Known for | Conservation advocacy and ecological restoration in Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | University of Canterbury, University of Otago |
| Thesis | Alpine phytoecology of the rainshadow mountains of Otago and Southland, New Zealand (1982) |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Ecology |
| Sub-discipline | New Zealand native, landscape ecology and urban ecology |
| Institutions | Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research |
Education and academia
editMeurk attended high school at St Andrew's College, Christchurch, graduating in 1965. In 1969 he completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Canterbury. Between 1970 and 1981 he completed a doctorate at the University of Otago, with his thesis analysing the production rate of plant biomass in tussock grassland at the southern end of the South Island.[1]
In his role as a research fellow at Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research he assisted in creating landscape models for creating ecological restoration plans across large areas, as well as a project to restore the ecology of the Waipara wine-growing region.[2]
Advocacy
editMeurk has advocated for improvements to the urban ecology of Christchurch. He serves as the president of the Travis Wetland trust and was a key figure in securing the wetland as a protected reserve[2] when it was being considered as a location for a housing development.[3] He is involved with ecological restoration projects there and across Christchurch.[3] He has advocated for the creation of a predator free eco-sanctuary within the residential red zone, similar to the Zealandia project in Wellington.[4] Meurk was instrumental in creating the Christchurch 360 trail; a walking track that circles Christchurch to demonstrate the wide ecological diversity of the area.[5][2]
In 2021 Meurk was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the Governor-General of New Zealand for services to ecological restoration.[2]
In 2022 he ran for a seat on the Christchurch City Council in the Fendalton ward, but was not successful.[6]
References
edit- ^ Meurk, Colin (1982), Alpine phytoecology of the rainshadow mountains of Otago and Southland, New Zealand (PDF), retrieved 17 October 2024
- ^ a b c d "Christchurch investiture ceremony - Friday 2 July 2021", Governor General of New Zealand, 2 July 2021, retrieved 17 October 2024
- ^ a b Ahrens, Chris, "Dr. Colin Meurk seeks to save ancient New Zealand", San Diego Reader, retrieved 17 October 2024
- ^ Blakie, Megan (21 January 2024), "Waitākiri Eco-sanctuary", Christchurch Envirohub - The home of Environmental and Sustainable Groups in greater CHCH, retrieved 17 October 2024
- ^ Frame, Bob, "In My Back Yard: The Christchurch 360 Trail", Chill - Explore with Us, retrieved 18 October 2024
- ^ Daly, Jo (14 October 2022), Christchurch City Council 2022 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result (PDF), Christchurch City Council, retrieved 18 October 2024