On August 18th, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (Ngā Pae) was thrilled to host the Hon. Ayesha Verrall, Minister for Research, Science and Innovation at Rehutai, Waipapa Taumata Rau. Minister Verrall’s entourage included long-time Ngā Pae advocate, Willy-John Martin, Pou Pūtaiao/Director, Māori Research, Science and Innovation at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
The opportunity to meet informally over morning tea included sharing several highlights of Ngā Pae’s contributions to building flourishing Māori futures over the past 20-years and that the creation of Kanapu is seen as a natural extension for Ngā Pae to deepen connections with our communities and firmly locate Māori aspirations and priorities at it’s heart. Other topics ranged from acknowledging the dearth of Māori researchers, scientists and their poor recognition in the sector, to a te ao Māori designed Māori-led approach to community-based workforce development and to what Te Ara Paerangi - Future Pathways reset may bring.
We were joined by newly appointed Pouhere Kanapu | Executive Director Vanessa Clark, Board member Pare Keiha, both Pou Matarua Linda Waimarie Nikora and Tahu Kukutai and Pouhere Matua, Marie-Chanel Berghan.
He Kōrero | Our Stories
Natalie Netzler is investigating the anti-viral properties of Samoan plants and is interested in researching the anti-viral properties of rongoā, in partnership with Māori practitioners.
Neuroscientist Nicole Edwards is establishing her own lab at the University of Auckland and is eager to tautoko students interested in a career in brain research.
AUT senior lecturer Deborah Heke encourages wāhine Māori to cherish their connection with te taiao.