Niwa sacks top climate scientist

NIWA can be autocratic when it comes to academic freedom. One of my areas of expertise is fall webworm biology, and when I was working for the Ministry for the Environment I came across some MAF data on fall webworm generation times that was not analysed correctly. MAF erroneously believed that the fall webworm would only have one generation time in Auckland so there was no need for control of fall webworm in autumn. MAF's mistake could have led to an incursion if left uncorrected (in fact they did use the precautionary approach but I didn't know that at the time). MFE were totally unconcerned when I mentioned this to them, stating that the cabinet deadline for corrections had passed. I pointed out that insects generally don't respect cabinet deadlines, and considered their obsession with process over results to be irresponsible to say the least. The Biosecurity Act actually states that it is not only a right but a duty to warn against an incursion if you have any reason to believe that one may occur, so I emailed NIWA (from my home address) asking for temperature data for Auckland, so I could make a better case for fall webworm having 2-3 generations in Auckland. NIWA promptly told my employer, who then got on their high horse about ruining their relationship with MAF, though MAF would not have known anything about my approaching NIWA if NIWA had not told them. It is the same with Dr. Salinger's dismissal. I have heard Dr. Salinger at a conference in Tauranga where I work, and he is extremely knowledgable about climate change. Dr. Salinger's dismissal is a symptom of a wider problem. The commercialisation of science has led to an erosion of academic freedom in all CRI's and in educational institutes. I urge all those concerned with academic freedom and the wise application of science to back Dr. Salinger. Kia kaha, Jim. I will ask my own union (the TEU) to support you. Dr. Michael Morris

It is sad that NIWA has made the decision they have.
New Zealand is behind the times with the attitudes displayed. A comment made to me by an overseas documentary film maker was that scientists are much more active in other countries with regards to using television for scientific communication with the general public.
New Zealand ought to be encouraging more scientists to follow Dr Salinger's lead, rather than censuring such activity. It is very important for our education system for New Zealanders to be encouraged to take an active interest in science, by seeing scientists on our TV screens, and we also need to honour those whose accomplishments are second to none. Powerful role models and spokespeople for science are needed, always. We can do better here.
Dr Salinger ought to be New Zealand's David Bellamy or Sir David Attenborough and be on our screens frequently. NIWA should change track on this, and in fact endorse frequent appearances.
Scientists need to be actively involved in public broadcasting and I salute Dr Salinger for his great work and hope that New Zealanders see him and other scientists frequently on television, all the time. The decision ought to be reversed, and more scientists encouraged to get involved with radio and television as a way of promoting an interest in science amongst the general population, as is always valued and needed.