Engineer | Mahonri Owen

Engineer Dr Mahonri Owen is a Māori researcher from Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), whose work in brain-controlled prosthetics aims to enhance the lives of amputees, particularly within Māori communities. His innovative approach combines engineering, neuroscience, and mātauranga Māori, reflecting a commitment to culturally grounded, inclusive technology development.

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Organic Chemist | Nic Bason

Organic chemist Nic Bason (Ngāti Hauiti, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa) develops innovative molecules to enhance solar cell efficiency through a process known as singlet fission. Currently an Applications Scientist at Syft Technologies, Nic integrates mātauranga Māori perspectives into his work, recognising the chemical processes inherent in traditional practices like cooking and taiaha crafting.

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Bioinformatician | Alana Alexander

Dr. Alana Alexander (Ngāpuhi: Te Hikutu; Pākehā) is a bioinformatician at the University of Otago, specialising in marine evolutionary biology and genomics. Her research integrates genomic data with mātauranga Māori to understand the impacts of human activities on marine species, such as dolphins and whales, and to develop culturally informed conservation strategies.

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Quantum Physicist | Jacob Ngaha

Dr. Jacob Ngaha, of Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, and Ngāti Kahu descent, is Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Māori quantum physicist. He completed his PhD in theoretical quantum optics at the University of Auckland, focusing on the interactions between light and matter. Currently a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Mathematics, Ngaha is investigating quantum effects […]

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Freshwater Ecologist | Yvonne Taura

Yvonne Taura is a Māori ecologist at Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, specializing in kaupapa Māori-led research to raise awareness of wetland restoration. Her work blends traditional Māori knowledge with scientific inquiry, focusing on freshwater science, iwi environmental management, and science communication. Yvonne’s PhD research at the University of Waikato explores effective communication of mātauranga […]

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Plant Protection Scientist | Aleise Puketapu

Dr Aleise Puketapu blends cutting-edge plant protection science with mātauranga Māori to safeguard Aotearoa’s crops. As a Senior Scientist at Plant & Food Research, she develops sustainable pest control strategies and works closely with Māori communities to ensure science benefits both people and the environment.

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L1 Nature of Science | Pilot school resources

These resources are now available for members and non-members; please click here and ignore the download button. All the standards have changed since these resources were last used. They are likely to need some amendments to meet the criteria of the current standards, which can be found here. (link to https://ncea.education.govt.nz/science/science?view=assessment#field_subject_key_competencies ) Resources specific to a local […]

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Volcanologist | Jonathan Procter

Professor Jonathan Procter, of Muaūpoko, Ngāti Apa, and Ngāi Tahu descent, is a leading volcanologist at Massey University. He specializes in volcanic hazard simulation and community resilience, combining geological fieldwork, satellite data, and mātauranga Māori to forecast volcanic events and inform environmental decision-making. His research includes developing the Māori Landscape Classification GIS tool, which integrates […]

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Marine Scientist | Kura Paul-Burke

Kura Paul‑Burke is a marine scientist leading restoration projects in Ōhiwa Harbour, combining mātauranga Māori with modern scientific methods. This profile explores her work on mussel-bed recovery and environmental management, highlighting practical strategies for sustaining New Zealand’s marine ecosystems.

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