Environmentalist Stephanie Dijkstra

Stephanie is a Māori environmental scientist specialising in intergenerational outcomes and the interweaving of mātauranga and Western science. She wears many hats, working as a Senior Mātauranga Taiao Advisor with Storm Environmental, a Ngā Kaihautu Tikanga Taiao Member with the Environmental Protection Authority NZ, and a member of Te Puna Māori Advisory Committee with Taumata Arowai The Water Regulator. She also chairs the Ngāi Tahu Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Kōmiti. In conversation with NZASE Science Communicator, Sneha Pillai, Stephanie shares her journey of weaving her love for different branches of science like cellular plant biology and ecology to do what she’s truly passionate about – leaving the planet in a better state than the one she found it in.

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Conservation Biologist John Perrott

A mātauranga Scientist/communicator and Associate Professor/Research Ecologist at the AUT School of Science, specialising in Conservation Biology of endangered species and Kaitiakitanga, John Perrott possesses a rich volume of knowledge on the flora and fauna of Aotearoa New Zealand. In conversation with NZASE science
communicator Sneha Pillai, Associate Professor John Perrott reflects on his journey as a kaitiaki and conservation
biologist

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Tiakitanga

Many schools use the term kaitiakitanga to mean caring for our environment as a responsible NZ citizen. While a worthwhile aspiration, nevertheless it can unintentionally ride roughshod over a Māori tikanga with deeper meanings which need to be considered.
In consultation with Nick Bryant (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Whatua) Mike Stone learns more about kaitiakitanga and tiakitanga.

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A Teacher’s Journey of Integrating Mātauranga Māori in an Authentic Way

Charmaine Russell, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi, shares her insights for those trying to honour Te Ao Māori in their teaching. She provides guidance on integrating mātauranga Māori in an authentic way, from her kaiako Māori perspective. Charmaine hopes to “sow the seeds of thought and reflection,” for kaiako across New Zealand by sharing her journey with NZASE Science Communicator Heather Goodey

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