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The skills, insights, and genetic data gathered by molecular ecologists are pivotal to addressing many contemporary biodiversity, environmental, cultural, and societal challenges. Concurrently, the field of molecular ecology is being revolutionised by rapid technological development and diversification in the scope of its applications. Hence, it is timely to review the future opportunities of molecular ecological research in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to reconcile them with philosophies of open science and the implications for Indigenous data sovereignty and benefit sharing. Future molecular ecologists need to be interdisciplinary, equipped to embrace innovation, and informed about the broader societal relevance of their research, as well as advocates of best practice. Here, we present an ideal future for molecular ecology in Aotearoa, based on the perspectives of 23 early career researchers from tertiary institutions, Crown Research Institutes, research consultancies, and government agencies. Our article provides: a guide for molecular ecologists embarking on genetic research in Aotearoa, and a primer for individuals in a position to support early career molecular ecologists in Aotearoa. We outline our goals and highlight specific considerations – for molecular ecology and the scientific community in Aotearoa – based on our own experience and aspirations, and invite other researchers to join this dialogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oegopsid squid family Onychoteuthidae was recently revised based on morphology, but sufficient material for a complementary molecular analysis has not been available until now. In the present study, over 250 sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA for 222 individuals were analysed to create a combined phylogeny for the family. Results support monophyly for the family and all seven onychoteuthid genera (including Moroteuthopsis , established herein as the senior genus name for species formerly attributed to Kondakovia ); 29 genetically distinct species were recovered, with the BIN (Barcode Index Number) analysis for COI showing good congruence overall with morphological species groupings. No sequences were available for five additional known species, making the total family diversity likely to exceed 34 species. Seven of the BINs formed in this study appear to represent undescribed taxa, suggesting that even in this relatively well-studied family, much additional work remains before a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and evolutionary relationships for the Onychoteuthidae can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]