24 Dungarvon Street, Wānaka (03) 443 7805 hello@mymessenger.co.nz mymessenger.co.nz Volume XLVIII | No. 18 | 20 May 2026
148 Warren Street, Wanaka Location locked in - Wanaka at its best 3
MYTHBUSTING DE-EXTINCTION Submitted by Colin Townsend TO SORT FACT FROM FICTION Talk explores the science, ethics and controversy of de-extinction The Wānaka Branch of the Royal Society will present Mythbusting De-Extinction, featuring Associate Professor Nic Rawlence from the University of Otago’s Department of Zoology, at 6.00pm on Friday, 22 May at the Wānaka Presbyterian Community Church, 94 Tenby Street. All are welcome to attend, with non-members asked to make a $10 donation at the door. The Wānaka Branch of the Royal Society brings leading thinkers, highly regarded in their fields of knowledge and expertise, to speak about their work. Each year, the programme features ten eminent national speakers. De-extinction hit the headlines recently with the reported ‘resurrection’ of the dire wolf, a species native to the Americas that lived between 125,000-10,000 years ago, along with the push to bring back the moa
(extinct 500-600 years ago) and the dodo, which became extinct around 1690. However, can scientists actually de-extinct animals, and more importantly, should they? Using modern genetic engineering techniques, are researchers actually recreating extinct species, or are they instead producing hybrids that only resemble the originals? And with many ancient ecosystems now drastically changed or completely gone, what would reintroducing these species mean for the modern world? The talk will delve into the science, ethics, and indigenous concerns surrounding de-extinction. If you’d like to support the work of the Wanaka Branch and become a member, please visit: royalsocietywanaka.org
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450 sqm (more or less)
Set within one of Wānaka’s most tightly held and prestigious enclaves, this exceptional Warren Street residence presents a rare opportunity to secure a legacy position just moments from the vibrancy of the town centre. Stephanie Georgalli
For Sale Deadline Sale: 24 June 12 pm
021 744 452 Stephanie@ljhwanaka.co.nz Lisinda Rickman
021 482 768 Lisinda@ljhwanaka.co.nz Licensed REAA 2008 Lakes Realty Ltd 03 443 1822
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OPEN A TRADE ACCOUNT Save 15% | Custom Flashing Faster Ordering | Local Support 3 Connell Terrace | p. 443 2794
Relaxation at the water’s edge Give the gift of relaxation with an Edgewater gift card. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in our beautifully refurbished rooms or dine at our lakefront restaurant. See our website for more details www.edgewater.co.nz or call 03 443 0011