Pūtaiao Herenga Waka
We envision a future where Māori and Pacific early career researchers lead with confidence, creativity, and purpose – shaping the direction of research in Aotearoa and globally. Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and connection, this Motu helps emerging scholars navigate their academic journeys and define their own success.
Empowering the Next Generation of Māori and Pacific Research Leaders
Ngā Motu Whakahī supports postgraduate research students and early career researchers, helping them to flourish in academia and beyond. We aim to create clear, supported pathways for Māori and Pacific researchers through mentoring, skills development, leadership opportunities, and celebration of research success.
Nurturing Pathways Through Academia and Beyond
We provide tailored support to ensure emerging researchers have the tools and networks they need to thrive. This includes mentoring, cohort building, and professional development workshops that strengthen both academic and transferable skills.
Through targeted initiatives, we create opportunities for Māori and Pacific researchers to build confidence, visibility, and leadership experience at every stage of their research journey.
Pūtaiao Herenga Waka Research Fellowship
At the heart of this Motu is the Pūtaiao Herenga Waka Research Fellowship Programme — a flagship initiative that supports 2–3 Research or Postdoctoral Fellows at any one time. Fellows are hosted within the School or Department aligned to their research, dedicating around 70% of their time to research and 30% to leadership within the Ngā Motu Whakahī programme. Each Fellow receives professional development funding and access to networks and training to strengthen their career trajectory.
Our Research Fellows
Dr Veronica Tone-Graham
Post Doctoral Fellow
Pesetā Dr Veronica Tone-Graham is a New Zealand born (Māngere raised) Sāmoan (Vaimoso, Lufilufi) mother of 3. Her husband and children also whakapapa to Ngāti Maniapoto.
Dr Kannan Ridings
Research Fellow
Dr Kannan Ridings (Rongowhakaata) physicist whose research focuses on nanowire networks and low-energy computing. He also coordinates the Tuākana Physics programme to support Māori and Pasifika students succeed in science.
Supporting Postgraduate Researchers
Postgraduate students are the foundation of our future research community. This Motu supports Māori and Pacific postgraduate students through:
- Targeted workshops and professional development
- Writing retreats to enhance research output
- Conference support to share their work nationally and internationally
We are also working toward establishing a dedicated space within the Faculty for Māori and Pacific postgraduate students – a place for connection, collaboration, and belonging.
Annual Symposium
A key highlight of the year is our Annual Research Symposium, which alternates between Māori and Pacific research themes. This event brings together students, staff, and community to showcase research excellence, share insights, and engage in meaningful dialogue across disciplines. It also provides an important space for connection and whakawhanaungatanga, strengthening research communities and celebrating the diverse knowledge, perspectives, and contributions of Māori and Pacific scholars.
Research Assistantships
To further develop experience and leadership, we offer Ngā Motu Whakahī Research Assistantships to Māori and Pacific postgraduate students. These roles provide practical, hands-on opportunities that allow students to build valuable research, organisational, and leadership skills, strengthen their academic networks, and gain experience that supports future postgraduate and research career pathways.
