Maranga Mai – Rise Up!
Join us in Te Tai Tokerau for two days celebrating Māori innovation, resilience and leadership in Pūtaiao. The Faculty of Science Pūtaiao Research Symposium brings together researchers, educators, students, iwi, hapū and community leaders to explore the intersection of pūtaiao and STEM. Join inspiring kōrero, immerse yourself in Māori-led research, and build connections that ignite powerful collaborations for the future of science in Aotearoa.
PROGRAMME 2025
Find out more about Pūtaiao Research Symposium 2025| Time | Event | Workshop |
| 9:45 am | Pōwhiri | |
| 12:00 pm | Registration | |
| 1:00 pm | Keynote: Taipari Munro | |
| 1:20 pm | Keynote: Dan Hikuroa | |
| 1:45 pm | Keynote: James Henare Research Centre | |
| 3:00 pm | Keynote: Suzanne Purdy | The Mighty Mussel – Eco Physiology Dissection activity |
| 3:30 pm | Keynote: Jacqueline Beggs | |
| 4:15 pm | Presentation: HĀ Kōkōwai | |
| 6:30 pm | Networking event sponsored by Infosys |
| Time | Event | Wānanga |
| 10:15 am | Mihi whakatau | |
| 10:45 am | Keynote: Te Warihi Hetaraka | |
| 11:30 am | Panel: Te Tai Tokerau Pūtaiao Education | Māori Perspectives on AI for te taia |
| 1:00 pm | Panel: Pūtaiao & Community Development in Hokianga | |
| 2:00 pm | Closing words from the Dean of Science: Michael Kingsley | |
| 2:30 pm | Hākari |
VENUE
Te Puna o Te Mātauranga Marae
55 Raumanga Valley Road (Gate 1), Whangarei
Te Puna o Te Mātauranga is NorthTec’s marae, a contemporary whare wānanga and centre for learning, gathering and the sharing of mātauranga. The symposium will take place in the Whare Hui, Whare Kai and the Interactive Learning Centre (Block D, see map below) on the NorthTec campus.
TIKANGA
Te Puna o Te Mātauranga operates under the tikanga of Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu. At the outset of the symposium, manuhiri will gather at the tomokanga and wait for the karanga before entering the marae ātea. The pōwhiri will follow the paeke kawa, with tangata whenua speaking first, followed by manuhiri. Each whaikōrero will be supported by a waiata.
Shoes are to be removed before entering the whare hui, and the pōwhiri will conclude with kai in the whare kai.
Symposium attendees are asked to uphold the tikanga and kawa of the marae, and to follow the guidance of our haukāinga and organising team.
KAI-TOHU-KŌRERO
Geremy Hema
Ngāti Paoa, Te Rarawa | Poutiaki Rangahau Māori, University of Auckland
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Taipari Munro
Ngāpuhi, Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau, Ngāti Wai, Te Mahurehure ki Whatitiri | NorthTec
Dan Hikuroa
Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui, Ngaati Whanaunga, Pākehā | University of Auckland
Bernard Henare & the James Henare Research Centre
Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi | University of Auckland
Te Warihi Hetaraka
Ngāti Wai, Ngāpuhi, Tainui | Hihiauha
Jacqueline Beggs
Ngāti Awa, Pākehā | Ngā Ara Whetū
Suzanne Purdy
Ngāi Takoto, Te Rarawa | University of Auckland
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Te Tai Tokerau Pūtaiao Education
Join kaiako, community leaders, and kairangahau working at the heart of Pūtaiao education across Northland. This panel will explore the unique opportunities and challenges in our region — and share bold, innovative ideas to strengthen pathways into Pūtaiao, from kura through tertiary study and beyond. The speakers joining us on this panel are: Maia Hetaraka, Hineatua Parkinson, Joanne Murray, Ella Pepi Tarapa-Dewes, Anaru Parangi and Teina Wells-Smith.
Pūtaiao & Community Development in Hokianga
This panel unites kaiako, community leaders, and kairangahau from Hokianga and across the wider Te Tai Tokerau region. Together, they will examine the links between Pūtaiao and community development, drawing on local mātauranga to highlight collaborative initiatives that are creating new opportunities in Hokianga. Speakers for this panel are: Cheryl Turner, Michelle Sarich, Phillipa Pehi and Te Kerekere Roycroft.
Panels will be facilitated by:
Jade Le Grice
Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi | University of Auckland
WĀNANGA
Māori Perspectives on AI and Te Ao Tūroa
Explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence in conservation, from predator control and species diversity monitoring to land use management, in this wānanga. Guided by a Māori worldview, we will review real-world case studies and discuss what is needed to develop AI tools that genuinely support hapori Māori, shaping technology to reflect our values and aspirations.
This wānanga will be facilitated by:
Daniel Wilson
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao | University of Auckland
PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
HĀ - History of Aotearoa: Me aro ki te hā Hineahuone
HĀ is a kaupapa Māori that engages the creative teaching methods of our tupuna to share pūrākau and local histories. Grounded in the principles of He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, HĀ upholds the protection and wellbeing of all taonga — including mātauranga tuku iho, our histories, mokopuna, and te taiao. This session offers an introduction to the kaupapa of HĀ and a guided experience of one of their foundational workshops: Kōkōwai (red ochre).
This presentation will be delivered by the HĀ team.
The Mighty Mussel: Eco-physiology dissection workshop
Kūtai (green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus) are renowned for their sweet flavour and their role in restoring the health of Aotearoa’s coastal ecosystems. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of mussel anatomy, physiology, and dissection techniques, exploring how these humble shellfish filter water to support marine life.
This workshop will be facilitated by:
Sarah Rewi
Ngāi Tāhuhu, Ngāpuhi, Te Urioroi, Te Parawhau, Te Māhurehure | University of Auckland