Sociologists test science solution

More than 100 sociologists have descended on Massey University to figure out if science can pull New Zealand out of an economic and environmental crisis.

Crunch Times: Can Science Make a Difference? is the name of this year's Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand Conference, attended by the country's top sociology academics and postgraduate students.

The environment and the economy have been pinpointed as this year's biggest challenges, with academics travelling from across Australia and New Zealand to discuss sustainability.

Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and Environment director, associate professor Hugh Campbell, will discuss how urban and rural tensions, environmental conflicts, animal welfare and sustainability have emerged as challenging issues for New Zealand's food producers.

Organisers are trying to keep the conference waste-free, using materials made out of sustainable products and electronic rather than paper-based communication.

Attendees are being encouraged to car pool or take the train, and use free green bikes or bus.