• Characterisation of genetic diversity within and among populations to establish a basis for the conservation of threatened species
  
• Aid in the definition of species through the generation and analysis of molecular data
  
• Identification of pests and pathogens based on molecular methods. Such identifications can be useful when addressing issues of biosecurity
  
• Estimation of evolutionary relationships and generation of phylogenetic hypotheses
  
• Use of genetic methods to assist in the identification of insect natural enemies that are likely to be effective as biological control agents.
  

Aciphylla glaucescens. Thanks Kevin Hogan for this photo taken in the seaward Kaikouras. Abstract for genetics paper here...

• Promote research services in genetics and evolution
  
• Encourage collaboration and discussion of biodiversity, species concepts and evolution
  
• Provide information on the use of molecular data for conservation genetics
  
• Present abstracts from recent papers dealing with evolution
  
• Provide links to sites concerning conservation genetics, systematics resources, societies, universities, botany,  mycology, and ecology
  

Stilbocarpa polaris. Thanks Joy and Bob Coghlan for the photo. Evolution paper here... A phylogenetic tree shown here...