The speaker is Shirley Kerr.
Shirley studied at Massey University where she gained a BSc in Botany. After attending Teachers College, she taught in various secondary schools until retiring 8 years ago. For the last 20 or so years of teaching at Katikati College she worked in a part-time or relieving capacity so that she could indulge her passion for fungi photography.
Shirley’s talk and slideshow will cover how her interest in fungi began in 2000, from simply photographing what she saw in the local bush of the Kaimais near Katikati, to eventually writing a book “A Field Guide to New Zealand Fungi”. She will discuss various habitats where different types of fungi may be found along with many photographic examples.
When it isn’t fungi season, Shirley is botanising and photographing bryophytes, ferns, lichens, native orchids and alpine plants. Examples of some of her findings of these are also included in her talk.
Shirley served on the council of the Fungal Network of New Zealand (FUNNZ) for 15 years, was Treasurer from 2009 to 2011, and played a key role in organising four annual New Zealand Fungi Forays. The Fungal Forays attract scientists from New Zealand and overseas. Her voluntary education efforts in mycology have included running workshops for upskilling in macro photography for botanical work, fostering children’s interest at national forays, organising field trips, public speaking engagements, and providing samples for Landcare New Zealand’s Herbarium or for overseas examination. Shirley has been recognised by professionals both locally and internationally for her contributions to knowledge in the mycological field.
In 2021 Shirley was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to mycology.