National News> Media Releases

18 April 2006

2006 FISH & GAME SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

The 2006 Fish & Game research scholarship has been awarded to Mark Delaney to support his research into the ecology of paradise shelduck.

“For my thesis I decided to look at New Zealand's paradise shelduck,” said Mr. Delaney. “The paradise duck is one of those unusual endemic species that have benefited from human modification of the landscape. Despite its widespread distribution, its impact on agricultural pasture and crops, and its importance as a game species, only a few studies (which are 30 years old) have been conducted.”

“I propose to look at, not only the mating systems and local distribution, but also the ecology of the micro-organisms associated with paradise ducks and their potential threat to livestock.”

Mark Delaney is completing his Masters at Massey University’s Albany campus. He completed his BSc at the University of Auckland and spent a year traveling. “During this time I explored much of Europe and Africa. Once back in New Zealand, I gained valuable field experience, while working on projects that involved New Zealand's outdoors. This renewed my passion for conservation and ecology and since then I have been involved with research dealing with saddlebacks, North Island robin and avian population and vegetation analysis on Kapiti Island.”

Fish & Game New Zealand offers an annual academic scholarship to research the scientific, management, social, cultural and political issues related to our freshwater sports-fish and game birds. The $10,000 scholarship is awarded in one of two categories; research into natural and physical sciences of fish and game, or research into social, cultural or political issues in context of fish and game. Applications for the Fish & Game New Zealand Research Scholarship may be made on the form provided by the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors Committee.

“Many thanks to Fish & Game for awarding me with this scholarship. The money will be put to great use, and I hope to have an ongoing relationship with Fish & Game, “said Mr. Delaney.

For further information contact

Ric Cullinane, Communications and Marketing Manger, (04) 494 4767, 021 994 768