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Nic Rawlence

Nic Rawlence

The Conversation

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NZ has unique stories of evolution and geology. Is it time for a natural history museum?

NZ has unique stories of evolution and geology. Is it time for a natural history museum?

Globally significant collections of fossils, plants and rocks are held at separate institutions. Combined, they could support a dedicated natural...

latest 10

The Conversation

Nic Rawlence

How Sam Neill’s Jurassic Park performance inspired a generation of palaeontologists

As Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, Sam Neill portrayed a scientist who was authentic, normal and relatable. For many budding paleontologists, it was...

21.07.2026 50

The Conversation

Nic Rawlence

How Sam Neill’s Jurassic Park performance inspired a generation of paleontologists

As Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, Sam Neill portrayed a scientist who was authentic, normal and relatable. For some budding paleontologists, it was...

21.07.2026 40

The Conversation

Nic Rawlence

De‑extinction company says it’s made an artificial egg – if true, it could help save living species

Colossal Biosciences’ artificial egg technology would deliver a useful tool for the conservation of threatened birds, but only if it’s made...

20.05.2026 40

The Conversation

Nic Rawlence

To help save NZ’s native species, we must move past the extinction blame game

Debates over responsibility for past species loss generate heat but little light. Moving forward requires context, evidence and Indigenous knowledge.

10.03.2026 40

The Conversation

Nic Rawlence

Meet the ‘Old Mother Goose’ from NZ’s subtropical prehistoric past

The newly described fossil goose Meterchen luti lived alongside crocodilians and turtles on the shores of the ancient Lake Manuherikia.

01.03.2026 80

The Conversation

Nic Rawlence

The discovery of an extinct shelduck highlights the rich ancient biodiversity of the remote Rēkohu Chatham Islands

Many birds on Rēkohu Chatham Islands show how ‘island syndrome’ influences evolution – they are distinct but remain closely related to species...

14.08.2025 50

The Conversation

Nic Rawlence