At just 22 years old, Amy Gwynne is already making an impact on New Zealand’s environment.

As the first student to complete Unitec’s new Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management), Amy has transformed her passion for conservation into a fulfilling career protecting New Zealand’s borders with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Originally from Auckland, Amy’s academic pathway began at the University of Otago, where she completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology.

“I’ve always been interested in science, particularly biology and how the environment is impacted by human behaviour,” she says. “During my degree, I became increasingly focused on how to manage the environment and the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique ecosystem.”

That growing interest led Amy to look beyond her undergraduate studies. With a desire to move from theory into applied science and industry-relevant skills, she turned to her careers counsellor for guidance.

“I wasn’t exactly sure what my options were straight out of Uni,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to gain industry exposure and learn skills that would land me a job where I could make a difference. My careers adviser recommended Unitec’s new biodiversity management programme – and it turned out to be the perfect fit.”

Amy enrolled in 2024, joining the inaugural class of Unitec’s postgraduate diploma – a one-year programme designed to address the urgent need for skilled biodiversity professionals. With a curriculum that combines fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, Geographic Information System (GIS) training, and environmental monitoring, the programme offered the kind of practical, hands-on learning Amy was looking for.

“One of the highlights was working on a real-world project with Auckland Council,” she says. “It gave me insight into the public sector’s work around environmental science and managing invasive pests. I also developed skills that are directly relevant to the industry – biosecurity, environmental monitoring, GIS, and learning how to engage with different stakeholders.”

A standout moment from Amy’s year at Unitec was her dissertation project on the invasive Himalayan wineberry (Rubus ellipticus), a prickly, fast-spreading plant that poses a significant threat to native ecosystems. The opportunity came through a partnership with the council, who offered the project to Unitec students.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to focus on initially, but when I was asked if I’d be interested, I jumped at the chance. I’d already developed an interest in GIS and biosecurity, so it aligned perfectly,” she says.

Amy’s research and fieldwork culminated in a presentation at the 2025 NETS (National Environmental and Biosecurity Technologies) Conference in Palmerston North earlier this year – a significant milestone for a young researcher.

“I was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to attend and present my findings to industry professionals. It was nerve-wracking but also hugely rewarding,” she says.

That experience – combined with the skills and confidence gained at Unitec – soon led to an exciting opportunity. After finishing her postgraduate diploma, Amy was encouraged by an Auckland Council staff member to apply for a role with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). She did, and was offered a position shortly after.7

Now working on the frontlines of New Zealand’s biosecurity system at Auckland International Airport, Amy is thriving. She checks at-risk goods and passengers and decides whether they pose a biosecurity risk.

“I love that I’m doing a job where I can make an impact and see the tangible results of our work,” she says.
“For example, I once intercepted a bag infested with an exotic ant nest. Being able to stop something like that from crossing the border – it’s satisfying knowing you’re actively protecting New Zealand’s primary industries and biodiversity.”

No two days are the same at MPI. Amy might be identifying intercepted organisms one day, problem-solving biosecurity breaches the next.

“That variety is one of the best parts of the job,” she says. “You never know what your day will bring, and you need to draw on a range of skills – from species identification to decision-making under pressure.”

Looking ahead, Amy is excited to grow within the biosecurity sector and deepen her contribution to New Zealand’s environmental protection.

“In five years, I’d ideally still be with MPI – either still at the border or maybe moving into a different part of the business. I want to continue learning about biosecurity and find new ways to protect New Zealand’s environment.”

For students considering a similar pathway, Amy is full of praise for the Unitec programme that helped her get started.

“I would definitely recommend the postgraduate diploma, especially if you want to gain practical skills and figure out where you want to go in your career.

“The lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable, and they create a really supportive environment. You’re exposed to different opportunities and encouraged to apply what you learn in real-world settings,” she says.

As the first graduate of Unitec’s Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management), Amy is setting the bar high – not just for future students, but for what young professionals can achieve when given the right tools, support, and inspiration.

Progression to master’s programme

Those learners enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma can apply to progress to the Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) if they meet the criteria – and learners on the Postgraduate Certificate programme can progress to postgraduate diploma or masters.

The master’s programme is a 180-credit course, with an embedded 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate and a 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma. The suite of 15-credit courses, available to all three programmes, is designed with a high degree of flexibility.

Learn more about:
Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) - MASCI

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) - PGDAS

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) - PGCAS