The Trust's main objective is to create a living laboratory that promotes learning and research. The Trust has funded more than 17 university student summer scholars, summer interns and/or Royal Society Teacher Fellows to conduct scientific or technical research in the Pūharakekenui/Styx River catchment. These project have covered a range of exciting topics such as the “Effectiveness of a Predator Proof Fence for Conserving Lizards’,  ‘Assessment of Algal Diversity’ and ‘Effectiveness of Restoring Radcliffe Road Drain’. 

We seek to use the information from such research to produce interpretation material that can communicate this scientific information in a fun and friendly way. When you visit Pūharakekenui you will see a bunch of interpretive signs throughout the catchment. By sharing this research, we hope everyone can better understand the Pūharakekenui/Styx environment and contribute to enhancing the ecological health of our awa.

This is a joint project between Lincoln University, Christchurch City Council and the Styx Living Laboratory Trust. Thanks to the Brian Mason Scientific and Technical Trust for funding this work!