Shannon Bentley

2020 recipient of the Sir Hugh Kāwharu Masters Scholarship for Innovation in Science, MSc (Victoria University).

The Foundation has been proud to support outstanding Māori science scholars since the inception of the Scholarship in 2012 for the 2013 academic year. Past scholarship recipients have won numerous academic awards amongst them, including several PhD scholarships:

• Naomi White (Ngāti Te Ata), PGDip Clinical Psychology, Victoria University (2013)

• Kate Mauriohooho (Waikato, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), MSc, Waikato University (2014)

• Tara McAllister (Te Aitanga-ā-Māhaki), MSc, Canterbury University (2015)

• Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu (Ngati Uepōhatu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Atiawa), MSc, Auckland University (2016)

• Stacey Niao (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), MSc, Wintec (2017)

• Riki Parata (Ngai Tahu, Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Toarangatira), MenvSci, Waikato University (2018)

• Arna Whaanga (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Rakaipaaka), MMst, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (2019)

• Shannon Bentley (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Waipara, Mureti), MSc, Victoria University (2020)

• Sarah Davis (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi), MSc, Auckland University (2021)

Shannon sampled 18 privately restored wetlands to see how successful the projects were at acheiving wetland conditions. Wetlands are the kidneys of the land - they remove pollutants from water, absorb carbon from the atmosphere, abate floods, and can increase biodiversity. She found that in the areas where farmers restored wetlands, plant diversity increased by thirteen plants, soils became more wetland-like, and carbon absorption and microbial diversity increased. She also found evidence to suggest that flowing water may accelerate the restoration process for wetland areas.