Pūtaiao Science symposium set for Northland

Te Whare Pūtaiao, Faculty of Science, is reaffirming its commitment to Māori engagement and science education by bringing its second Pūtaiao Research Symposium to Whangārei.

The move to Whangārei reflects a dedication to restoring knowledge, strengthening collaboration, and inspiring future Māori leaders in STEM, with the aim of increasing Māori participation in science.

The decision follows hui between faculty representatives and local connections in Whangārei and Ngataki. Discussions centred on the future of pūtaiao (science) and the role of Mātauranga Māori in shaping STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Medicine, and Mātauranga Māori) pathways for rangatahi.

“We bring this symposium to the North because it is home to many of us,” says Faculty of Science Kaiārahi Teariki Tuiono (Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau, Te Mahurehure ki Whatitiri).

“By honouring our deep connection to this land, we aim to inspire unity through research collaborations, where we empower each other to shape a future of collective growth and shared knowledge.”

Tuiono says that many rangatahi and emerging leaders have a deep passion for science.

"They see this in their pūrākau about famous navigators, environmental guardians, and innovators. This symposium celebrates this knowledge from the past and present, while looking toward the future of Mātauranga Māori, Pūtaiao, and Science."

Across Aotearoa, Māori scholars, researchers, and community leaders are already making an impact in science, driving groundbreaking initiatives in environmental sustainability, health, and technology.

This years symposium intends to support the next generations and carry that momentum forward.

Set for September 2025, the three-day symposium will bring together researchers, educators, students, and community leaders to explore the intersection of Pūtaiao and STEM.

With the theme Maranga Mai – Rise Up!, this year’s event will celebrate Māori innovation and resilience in research and education.

“We can expect to hear about Pūtaiao initiatives that are empowering communities to advocate for the preservation of our taonga and sustain our natural world as we know it,” says Associate Dean Māori, Dr Jade Le Grice (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi).

“These efforts also play a crucial role in addressing urgent matters such as community health, pūtaiao education, and Māori development.”

The symposium is a collaborative effort involving Te Whare Pūtaiao (Faculty of Science), Te Pūtahi o Pūtaiao (Faculty of Science Māori Research Centre), Ngā Motu Whakahī (Māori & Pacific Science Capacity Building initiative) alongside NorthTec, Te Puna o Te Mātauranga, and iwi partners.

Faculty representatives, include Professor Suzanne Purdy (Te Rarawa, Ngāi Takoto), Hineatua Parkinson (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Patuwai, Whakatōhea and Te Aitanga a Mahaki), Professor Paul Kilmartin (Ngāi Tahu), Anaru Parangi (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngati Whātua), and Diana Baroian (Romania), have been engaging with mana whenua across Te Tai Tokerau, as well as STEM educators and grassroots leaders, to build strong partnerships for the event.

“Our rōpū met with a few mana whenua representatives in Whangārei and travelled to Kaitaia and Hokianga, meeting with grassroots leaders of regional STEM initiatives in Te Tai Tokerau,” says Dr Le Grice.

“We also connected with teachers from Whangārei high schools, Sport Northland’s Healthy Active Learning team, staff at Hihiaua Cultural Centre, and Ngāti Kuri whānau at their Te Ara Whānui Research Centre.”

In Whangārei, the delegation also met with Ngāpuhi rangatira Taipari Munro, NorthTec’s Te Amorangi (Senior Māori Executive), to strengthen partnerships that will enhance Māori participation in science and education.

As plans take shape for the 2025 gathering, organisers are looking forward to strengthening partnerships and highlighting the contributions of Māori in STEM.

Further details on the symposium will be announced soon.