Curious how ancient Māori knowledge and modern geology can come together to better protect our land and waterways? This profile delves into Dr Dan Hikuroa’s pioneering work—blending pūrākau, maramataka, and scientific research to restore mauri, manage natural hazards, and champion community-led environmental strategies. Image: Dan Hikuroa with an aluminium core tube at Rangitoto ki te […]
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Nutrition meets innovation—discover how Dr Lisa Te Morenga’s expertise in high-fibre, high-protein diets and systematic reviews has shaped global health guidelines and empowered Māori and Pasifika communities through community-driven research. This profile illuminates a scientist whose work blends rigorous evidence with cultural intentionality—perfect for anyone curious about the intersection of nutrition, equity, and scientific method. […]
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Dr Pauline Harris is a pioneering astrophysicist who bridges the cosmos and te ao Māori. From her early fascination with space to her groundbreaking work in high-energy astrophysics and Māori astronomy, she is redefining how we understand the universe. As the current chair of the Society for Māori Astronomy Research and Traditions (SMART), Dr Harris […]
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From struggling in school on the Tongan island of Vavaʻu to becoming a pioneering food technologist and Massey University’s Dean of Pacific, Palatasa “Tasa” Havea’s journey is one of resilience and scientific innovation. This profile delves into his path from a factory worker to a senior research scientist at Fonterra, highlighting his groundbreaking work with […]
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Comets are back in the spotlight, with Comet Swan (C/2020 F8) approaching Earth and Comet ATLAS (C/2019 Y4) breaking apart as it nears the Sun. The article also explains comet composition, orbits, and discoveries from missions like Giotto and Rosetta, written by NZASE Science Communicator Mike Stone. Image: Comet Atlas breaks up NASA, ESA, STScI, […]
Read MoreDr Matire Harwood shares how kaupapa Māori research and clinical practice can address health inequities and improve outcomes for Māori communities. Her insights highlight the power of combining evidence-based science with cultural knowledge to shape a fairer health system.
Read MoreHemi Cumming, hailing from Gisborne and holding iwi affiliations with Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Toa, and Ngāti Koata, is an organic chemist whose PhD work included synthesising a cancer-fighting compound from Fiordland marine sponge, and who now advances microcapsule technology and Māori-centered biochemistry at Plant & Food Research. His work blends kaupapa Māori […]
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Dr. Jason Turuwhenua (Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe) is pioneering a tablet-based vision test designed to detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in young children. His research combines engineering, medical physics, and mātauranga Māori to create a tool that is both culturally relevant and scientifically robust, aiming to improve early childhood eye care across Aotearoa.
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Even wrong ideas can be stepping stones in learning, with practical tools to help students rethink and discover science for themselves. Discover how teachers can turn misconceptions into opportunities for deeper understanding. Why misconceptions are important We know that it is important to find out what students already know before we start teaching. The NZ […]
Read MoreHeni Unwin is a marine scientist of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tūhoe, and Te Ātihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi descent. She integrates Mātauranga Māori with marine science to develop sustainable aquaculture practices and environmental monitoring tools. As a researcher at the Cawthron Institute, Heni collaborates with Māori communities to ensure that scientific research aligns […]
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