Nelson Science Stories

Hosted by Graeme Robertson, Nelson Science Stories shines a light on the discoveries, people, and places that have shaped the region’s rich scientific heritage. From early innovations to modern breakthroughs, each episode uncovers the fascinating stories behind Nelson’s contribution to science in Aotearoa and beyond.

Episodes

Dec 03 2025 ep05 - Culture, values and early media attempts

December 2, 2025 • 10 mins

A bit of a mixture: some reflections on Cawthron’s values and an engineer’s experience managing people who were cleverer than him, plus an early media experience

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Nov 26 2025 ep04 - Marine Biosecurity and Invasive Species

November 25, 2025 • 11 mins

The discovery of an apparently invasive toxic algae on the sea floor around the loading terminal for giant iron ore carriers showed the dangers of jumping to conclusions. Both cases show that, with a heads up and some guidance, companies will very often do the right thing.

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Nov 19 2025 ep03 - Microbiology Lab

November 18, 2025 • 11 mins

A brief account of the early days of Cawthron’s microbiology lab. In 1988, at Cawthron scientist had discovered a novel organism which could produce high-purity xanthan gum from dairy waste. Despite impressive science the patent was reluctantly allowed to lapse. Meanwhile, the lab’s commercial testing thrived. A high-profile listeria case involving Kiwi Mussels tested the lab’s integrity and highlighted risks of food safety fraud....

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Nov 12 2025 ep02 - New Zealand's First Algal Blooms

November 11, 2025 • 16 mins

In 1992/93, toxic algal blooms in Northland prompted nationwide harvest bans. Most of these turned out to be false alarms, due to unreliable mouse bioassay tests. The shellfish industry pushed for better monitoring, leading Cawthron to develop an early warning system for toxic algae and advanced toxin testing methods. Cawthron’s work, later approved by international regulators, established NZ shellfish as the world’s safest. They a...

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Nov 05 2025 ep01 - Jim Bolger

November 4, 2025 • 6 mins

In the mid-90s, the then Prime Minister Jim Bolger visited Cawthron’s new research hatchery out at the Glen. Peter Dixon, a key shareholder, was gravely ill. The Prime Minister took time out from his busy schedule to visit Peter at home, sharing a heartfelt moment with his family. This was an emotionally charged visit before Peter’s death days later.

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Nelson Science Stories

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Dec 03 2025 ep05 - Culture, values and early media attempts

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Nov 26 2025 ep04 - Marine Biosecurity and Invasive Species

Nov 19 2025 ep03 - Microbiology Lab

Nov 12 2025 ep02 - New Zealand's First Algal Blooms

Nov 05 2025 ep01 - Jim Bolger

Popular Podcasts

Dec 03 2025 ep05 - Culture, values and early media attempts

Nov 26 2025 ep04 - Marine Biosecurity and Invasive Species