ESR (the Institute of Environmental Science and Research) is New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute that specialises in science relating to people and communities.

It’s our science that helps safeguard people’s health, protect food-based economies, improve the safety of freshwater and groundwater resources, and contributes expert forensic science to justice systems. See the positive impact our work has. 

Latest news

ESR celebrates 25 years!

ESR is celebrating 25 years of contributing to the economic, environmental and social well-being of people and communities in New Zealand, and around the world. As one of ten New Zealand Crown Research Institutes (external link) (CRIs) established on 22 June 1992, ESR was tasked with delivering enhanced scientific and research services to the public health, food safety, security and justice systems, and the environmental sector. We are proud of everything we have achieved. Happy Birthday ESR! 

Ground-breaking science set to help Te Kauwhata lake restoration 

Polluted Lake Waikare in the North Waikato is set to be the first subject in a new maanuka planting research project (external link) to help bring it back to life.

Mahinga kai

Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith and Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell have announced $3.9 million for 32 projects from the 2017 Te Pūnaha Hihiko - Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund. (external link)

The Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund focuses on the development of skilled people and organisations conducting research aligned with the four themes of the Vision Mātauranga policy; indigenous innovation, environmental sustainability, health and social well-being, and exploring indigenous knowledge.

ESR has received funding to develop an environmental risk assessment framework to be used to discern if mahinga kai (wild food) at specific sites is safe for human consumption. The project will involve our staff working with Ngāi Tahu communities throughout the South Island.