Meet our people: Kati Hewitt

My journey into agricultural science began long before the lab coat. Spending a season on a dairy farm in Morrinsville I was fascinated by the low-input farming systems, so different from the barn-style farming I knew in Europe. That contrast sparked a curiosity that never left me, and I knew I wanted to dive deeper. 

My first real step into research came with an AgResearch internship in 2010. That opportunity lit a fire in me. I discovered how science could solve real-world challenges for farmers. From there, I completed a Master’s in Agricultural Science at Massey University and worked as an R&D Scientist in biological light technology and plant chemistry, but my fascination with insects kept pulling me in new directions. Eventually, I pursued a PhD in insect biological control at Lincoln University, and today, my research focuses on plant–insect interactions and how they respond to environmental challenges like drought and nutrient limitations. 

As a Bioeconomy Science Institute scientist, I spend my days exploring how pasture grasses, their Epichloë endophytes, and insect pests interact. These relationships are critical for New Zealand farmers because they influence pasture resilience, productivity, and sustainability. Every day, I get to explore questions that matter for farmers and the environment, which is what keeps me passionate about this work. 

My work matters because it helps farmers grow pastures that naturally resist insect pests, reducing the need for chemical sprays and boosting productivity. Endophytes are incredible. Tiny fungi living inside grasses that produce compounds to deter pests like Argentine stem weevil, African black beetle, and porina, making pastures more resilient and sustainable. This means healthier farms, lower costs, and less environmental impact. The same technology even keeps Kiwi lawns lush and green, so whether it’s on farms or in backyards, my work contributes to healthier ecosystems and a better quality of life for New Zealanders. 

Right now, I’m working on something that could make a big difference: how phosphorus fertiliser affects one of New Zealand’s most damaging pasture pests: grass grub. My PhD revealed that phosphorus could weaken their performance, and now I’m testing this through pot and field trials to see if it holds true on farms. If it works, the potential impact is exciting —healthier pastures, lower costs, and fewer chemicals in our environment.