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Philippa Agnew

Science and Environmental Manager

Originally from Dunedin, Philippa began working at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony in 2006, after completing a Master’s in Marine Science at Otago University. She developed a research programme at the Colony in 2009 and used both long-term monitoring data and new foraging research, to complete her PhD, also in Marine Science at Otago. Since her PhD work, Philippa has driven the science carried out at the Colony and is now one of New Zealand’s leading little penguin scientists. Other projects she has initiated have been the development of the rehabilitation facility, the underpass on Waterfront Road, the Bushy Beach Hoiho advocacy programme, and has worked to improve protection for little penguins in Ōamaru generally.

She actively advocates for wildlife in the region, being a member of the Otago Conservation Board, the Waitaki District Council’s Harbour Area Committee, the IUCN’s Penguin Specialist Group, the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team and previously the South East Marine Protection Forum, she also organises the biennial Ōamaru Penguin Symposium. Outside of work Philippa like to get out and spend time outdoors amongst nature and wildlife.