Elizabeth Macpherson – The Conversation

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July 15, 2026

NZ’s overhaul of nature protection laws is a chance to move away from ‘fortress conservation’

Elizabeth Macpherson, University of Canterbury and David Jefferson, University of Canterbury

New Zealand’s conservation management currently prioritises full protection of pristine landscapes. Other models are based on reciprocity between people and nature.

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October 17, 2025

74 countries have now ratified a landmark treaty to protect the high seas. Why hasn’t NZ?

Elizabeth Macpherson, University of Canterbury; Conrad Pilditch, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Karen Fisher, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Simon Francis Thrush, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

The High Seas Treaty comes into force in January. New Zealand lags behind on several fronts, including marine protection and recognition of Māori customary rights.

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June 12, 2025

NZ has a vast sea territory but lags behind other nations in protecting the ocean

Conrad Pilditch, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Elizabeth Macpherson, University of Canterbury; Joanne Ellis, University of Waikato; Karen Fisher, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Karin Bryan, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau; Rachael Mortiaux, University of Canterbury, and Simon Francis Thrush, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Two international ocean science and policy meetings this month have called on nations to be more ambitious in their efforts to protect and restore marine ecosystems.

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July 26, 2023

New Zealand’s maritime territory is 15 times its landmass – here’s why we need a ministry for the ocean

Elizabeth Macpherson, University of Canterbury and Karen Fisher, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

New Zealand’s marine policies are scattered across multiple laws and regulatory institutions. A dedicated ministry would overcome this fragmentation and help protect vital ecosystems and resources.

The Ord River was targeted for agricultural expansion in the 20th century. isthatdaves/Wikimedia Commons

August 1, 2016

Water in northern Australia: a history of Aboriginal exclusion

Elizabeth Macpherson, The University of Melbourne; Erin O'Donnell, The University of Melbourne; Lee Godden, The University of Melbourne, and Lily O'Neill, The University of Melbourne

Ever since British settlement, water rights in Australia’s north have favoured landowners over traditional owners, effectively locking Aboriginal people out of agricultural development.

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