On 26 July, A Rocha Wellington gathered at Hutt City Baptist Church for our Winter Kōrero, where we were treated to an enthralling presentation by Andrew Stewart, Curator of Fishes at Te Papa. Andrew shared insights from his 2024 voyage on the research vessel Tangaroa, which set out to solve one of the great mysteries of the natural world – where do New Zealand’s longfin eels spawn?
These endemic eels, a taonga species, are in decline. Understanding their lifecycle is critical for their conservation. For years, scientists assumed they spawned near Tonga, but as Andrew explained, there is no evidence to support this theory. The Tangaroa team instead traced the Norfolk Ridge, a vast underwater mountain chain stretching from New Zealand to New Caledonia, collecting seawater samples to test for environmental DNA (eDNA). The analysis is still underway, and Andrew promised to keep us posted when results emerge.
The voyage also revealed the incredible diversity of deep-sea life. Andrew’s role was to identify and photograph them, and determine which specimens should be preserved for Te Papa’s collection. He introduced us to some of the weird and wonderful creatures encountered – from rare Tube Snouts and Pearleye Fish to the bizarre Loosejaw Dragonfish, the sinister Cookie-cutter Sharks, and even the dangerous Box Jellyfish. Thankfully, the team lived to tell the tale!
Andrew’s excellent presentation reminded us of the diversity, drama, and complexity of the marine world – and how much remains unknown about the ocean depths – echoing the words of the Psalmist:
“How many are your works, Lord! … There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both large and small.” (Psalm 104:24–25)
The presentation left us with a renewed sense of wonder at God’s creation – and anticipation for what discoveries may yet surface.
