The top of Te Waipounamu South Island is critical habitat for many species of whale and dolphins - from the largest blue whales to the smallest Hector's dolphins.

Rochelle Constantine is a Professor at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau who works in multidisciplinary teams to understand the ecology and conservation biology of whales and dolphins.

She will present findings from some of the long-term research programmes on whales in the region and highlight the value of different research approaches and emerging technologies with a focus on recent Hector's dolphin research.

Finally, Rochelle will talk about the challenges facing whales and dolphins in a rapidly changing ocean and the importance of pragmatic approaches that place the animals and their environment at the centre of the conversation.