Supporting Māori research excellence

Empowering Māori voices in science

Our growing network of researchers spans the breadth of the Faculty of Science, engaging with Māori communities, environments, and knowledges across diverse fields. From the intricacies of plant and animal life to the vastness of our oceans, lands, and skies, our members are exploring the intersection of Te Ao Māori, mātauranga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and science. We are proud to showcase the dynamic and transdisciplinary research of our postgraduate students and academics, contributing to the vital conversations shaping the future of Pūtaiao.

Jade Le Grice

Jade Le Grice

Co-Director

Jade Le Grice (Ngai Tupoto – Te Rarawa; Ngati Korokoro, Te Pouka, Ngati Wharara, Te Mahurehure – Ngāpuhi) is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology and Manupiri/Assoc Dean Māori in the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on decolonising praxis – deconstructing dominant cultural norms and legitimating mātauranga Māori in knowledge, health, and education systems. Underpinning her research is a strong focus on kaupapa Māori, mana wahine, and critical psychology approaches.

Karen Fisher

Karen Fisher

Co-Director

Karen Fisher (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui) is a Human Geographer and Professor in Te Kura Matai Taiao, the School of Environment in the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on the processes of knowledge production and its application in the context of environmental governance and management in New Zealand. Her work promotes transdisciplinary approaches to marine social-ecological systems and the role of diverse knowledge, particularly indigenous knowledge, to contribute to equitable and sustainable water futures.

Ekta

Ekta

Faculty Administrator

Ekta is Faculty Administrator for Māori & Pacific initiatives within the Faculty of Science, including our Tuakana programme, Ngā Motu Whakahī, Te Taura Here Pūtaiao, the Pacific Reference Group, and Te Pūtahi o Pūtaiao. She is also the co-chair for University-wide Women of Colour network.

Meet our People:

The researchers, students, and community members driving our work.

Suzanne Purdy

Suzanne Purdy

Professor

School of Psychology

Kimiora Henare

Kimiora Henare

Senior Research Fellow

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Pathology

Te Kahuratai Moko-Painting

Te Kahuratai Moko-Painting

Professional Teaching Fellow

School of Biological Sciences

Pip Pehi

Pip Pehi

Research Fellow

School of Psychology

Hera Rewi

Hera Rewi

Doctoral Candidate

School of Environment

Larissa Renfrew

Larissa Renfrew

Doctoral Candidate

School of Psychology

Teariki Tuiono

Teariki Tuiono

Kaiarihi

Faculty of Science

Paul Kilmartin

Paul Kilmartin

Professor

School of Chemical Sciences

Mel Wall

Mel Wall

Senior Tutor

School of Environment

Debbie Larkins

Debbie Larkins

Doctoral Candidate

School of Environment

Dan Hikuroa

Dan Hikuroa

Associate Professor

Faculty of Arts and Education
Jacqueline Beggs

Jacqueline Beggs

Professor

School of Biological Sciences

Alan Cameron

Alan Cameron

Senior Research Fellow

School of Chemical Sciences

Jaylene Wehipeihana

Jaylene Wehipeihana

Research Manager

Research Development and Impact

Michael Steedman

Michael Steedman

Kaiarataki

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Maori)
Daniel Wilson

Daniel Wilson

Lecturer

School of Computer Science

Lara Greaves

Lara Greaves

Associate Professor

Department of Statistics

Andrew Sporle

Andrew Sporle

Honorary Academic

Department of Statistics

Mere Roberts

Mere Roberts

Alex Trevarton

Alex Trevarton

Research Fellow

School of Biological Sciences

Stephanie Stuteley

Stephanie Stuteley

Post Doctoral Fellow

School of Biological Sciences

Brad Drayton

Brad Drayton

Doctoral Candidate

Department of Statistics

Hineatua Parkinson

Hineatua Parkinson

Professional Teaching Fellow

School of Psychology
Matt Edwards

Matt Edwards

Lecturer

Department of Statistics

Kate Mauriohooho

Kate Mauriohooho

Research Fellow

School of Environment

Nicole Edwards

Nicole Edwards

Lecturer

School of Biological Sciences

Tracy Maniapoto

Tracy Maniapoto

Lecturer

School of Computer Science
Charlie Connell

Charlie Connell

Lecturer

Department of Exercise Sciences

Brandon Gudgin

Brandon Gudgin

Master's Candidate

School of Environment

Cinnamon Lindsay Latimer

Cinnamon Lindsay Latimer

Doctoral Candidate

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
Te Kupenga Hauora Māori

Kiri West

Kiri West

Lecturer

Arts and Education
Cultures, Languages and Linguistics
Kapua O'Connor

Kapua O'Connor

Pou Tikanga

Arts and Education
Maori and Pacific Studies
Milly Grant-Mackie

Milly Grant-Mackie

PhD Candidate

School of Environment