Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
HQ
Lincoln, New Zealand
NZ Employees
437
Industry
terrestrial environmental research and biodiversity
NZ Presence
7 sites across New Zealand including Lincoln (HQ), Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Gisborne, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin, Alexandra, and Christchurch
AI Focus Areas
AI Maturity Evidence
Hiring dedicated Researcher – Remote Sensing and Artificial Intelligence; active projects using ML for indigenous tree mapping, deep learning for image classification and semantic segmentation (e.g., CamTrapNZ AI trap cameras); SSIF-funded Big Data Remote Sensing platform since 2019; past Microsoft collaboration; but reliance on hiring specialists and project-based use indicates not yet scaled organization-wide.
Transformation Opportunities
| Area | Opportunity | Impact | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analytics | Automate vegetation, biodiversity, and land change detection using ML models on satellite, LiDAR, and hyperspectral data | high | moderate |
| Research Operations | AI-driven predictive modeling for climate change impacts, ecosystem resilience, and invasive species spread | high | complex |
| Invasive Species Management | Computer vision and AI on trap cameras, drones for real-time pest detection and population monitoring | high | moderate |
Decision Makers
Richard Eglinton
Acting Group CEO / Chief Operating Officer
Leads Manaaki Whenua group post-merger, oversees science and operations including AI-integrated research groups
Chris McDermott
Chief Information Officer
Responsible for digital strategy and IT infrastructure, critical for scaling AI tools and data platforms
David Medyckyj-Scott
Head of Data Management
Manages research data governance and systems, key for AI data pipelines, ML training, and eResearch
Tech Stack Signals
Competitive Landscape
Peer CRIs (e.g., NIWA, GNS Science) advancing AI in environmental monitoring; merger into Bioeconomy Science Institute heightens pressure to leverage AI for efficiency, commercial impact, and securing MBIE funding in competitive bioeconomy landscape.
AIA Fit Assessment
- --Experimenting AI maturity with hands-on projects but needing external expertise to scale
- --Data-intensive manual processes in remote sensing and research prime for AI automation
- --Medium gov budget with $118M revenue despite cuts, focused on science platforms
- --Active hiring AI talent and accessible CIO/Head of Data
- --Post-merger transformation creates urgency for AI-native tools in NZ operations
Hiring Signals
Total Roles
4
Remote
Yes
Levels
mid-senior, technician
Skills Sought
Company Timeline
Merger into Bioeconomy Science Institute
First tracked via AI researcher job listing
Engagement Angle
Your recent hire for a Remote Sensing AI Researcher signals strong intent to advance geospatial AI—how can we help scale these capabilities across workflows to deliver faster, high-impact environmental insights?
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