Tokomaru Research Centre aims to embed evidence based research in shaping our future strategic directions and focus while increasing Ngāti Rārua Mātauranga. Building research capacity amongst our members in order to develop a Ngāti Rārua corpus of talent is equally important for us. The work of the TRC includes traditional research work as well as development of innovations and new ideas and directions to build and strengthen the knowledge and skill base of Ngāti Rārua. This mahi will be focused around the strategic intent statement of Kia Pai te Noho: to ensure that Ngāti Rārua is prepared for the future; has the capacity and capability to respond to immediate and emerging needs of whānau, marae and hapū; and has growing capacity and excellence in the practice of our Ngāti Rāruatanga to maintain the mana-ā-iwi of Ngāti Rārua.
The work of the TRC will support to maintain and enhance – Ohaoha (economic capital), Mauri Ora (cultural capital), Hononga (social capital) and Taiao (environmental capital) – to thrive and grow for the benefit of Ngāti Rārua. Co-Chair: Professor Sandy Morrison Dean, Te Pua Wananga ki te Ao, University of Waikato Sandy has extensive climate change experience including contributing to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and leadership role with the Deep South National Science Challenge and Vision Mātauranga programme. She was President of the Asia South Pacific Association of Adult and Basic Education. Her work in adult education promotes engagement with historical discourses, social and cultural meanings, and ancestral knowledge, making that knowledge relevant to indigenous development.
Co-Chair: Anaru Luke Deputy Chair, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua and Tumuaki Te Kāhui Āio, Cawthron Institute Anaru has long experience in science research, with a focus on marine and fisheries including as a member of the Kahui Māori of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge. In 2019 he was awarded a Masters in Technological Futures. He has worked as Executive Director and Director of Māori Education at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, and in policy, management and director roles with Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry for the Environment, and Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation.
Miriana Stephens, Director Miriana was born and raised in Motueka and holds qualifications in New Zealand History and Law. Miriana is also a director for Wakatū Incorporation and is currently leading AuOra™ which is an associated business of Wakatū that invests in a portfolio of nutrition and ingredient applications for the Japan market. Miriana is also a member of Nuku ki te Puku™ (a national Māori Food and Beverage cluster), the national Food and Fibres Leadership Group, NZTE Dubai Expo 2020, the Riddet Research Institute, Chair of Leaft Foods research programme and she is an alumni of Te Hono (NZ agribusiness leaders). She also enjoys fishing and reconnecting to traditional cultural customary practices with her family and kin.
Rangimaria Aperahama
