Understanding the processes and key drivers of biodiversity loss is fundamental in halting the decline. New Zealand was one of the last large land masses to be colonised by humans, so the consequences of human arrival are still playing out. Although we have made great strides in managing some invasive species, there remain many challenges if we are to retain the essence of a biota that was isolated for 80 million years. Using examples from my involvement with conservation research, from the iconic k?k?p? (nocturnal, ground parrot), to the ecology and control of introduced northern hemisphere social wasps I will discuss the key challenges for conservation in New Zealand.