Programme announced for 2025 Pūtaiao Symposium

A two-day symposium is set to bring Mātauranga Māori and science together, exploring pathways for Māori in pūtaiao (science).

Led and facilitated by the University’s Te Whare Pūtaiao, Faculty of Science, the symposium will run from 4–5 September at Te Puna o Te Mātauranga Marae, NorthTec in Whangārei, in collaboration with the University’s Tai Tokerau Campus.

This year’s theme, Maranga Mai – Rise Up!, will celebrate Māori innovation and resilience in research, education, and community-led science.

“Across Aotearoa, Māori scholars, researchers, and community leaders are making an impact in environmental sustainability, health, and technology. This symposium is about strengthening that momentum and supporting the next generation of Māori in science,” says Associate Dean Māori, Dr Jade Le Grice (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) who will be chairing two panels at this event.

Keynote speakers include some of the country's top scientists in their respective fields, including Matua Taipari Munro, Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa, Professor Suzanne Purdy, Professor Jacqueline Beggs, Dr Daniel Wilson, Matua Te Warihi Hetaraka, and the University’s James Henare Research Centre led by Matua Bernard Henare.

“This symposium is about Mātauranga Māori through Pūtaiao, and focuses on nurturing relationships kanohi kitea with local schools and community organisations in Te Tai Tokerau,” says Professor Suzanne Purdy (Te Rarawa, Ngāi Takoto).

Programme Highlights

Day One – 4 September

• Keynote speakers: Taipari Munro, Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa, James Henare Research Centre, Professor Suzanne Purdy, Professor Jacqueline Beggs
• Workshop: The Mighty Mussel – Eco-Physiology Dissection
• Presentation: HĀ History of Aotearoa
• Networking event sponsored by Infosys with performance from Hātea Kapa Haka

Day Two – 5 September

• Keynote speaker: Te Warihi Hetaraka, Hihiaua Cultural Centre
• Panels: Te Tai Tokerau Pūtaiao Education & Pūtaiao & Community Development in Hokianga
• Wānanga: Māori Perspectives on AI and Te Ao Tūroa
• Closing: Dean of Science, Professor Michael Kingsley

Panels & Wānanga

• Panel 1: Te Tai Tokerau & Pūtaiao Education with Maia Hetaraka, Teina Wells-Smith, Anaru Parangi, Joanne Murray & Hineatua Parkinson - Exploring pathways into science from kura through to tertiary study, featuring kaiako, community leaders, and researchers.
• Panel 2: Pūtaiao & Community Development in Hokianga with Cheryl Turner, Michelle Sarich, Te Kerekere Roycroft & Phillipa Pehi - Uniting community leaders and kairangahau to explore how pūtaiao and local mātauranga are creating opportunities for community development.
• AI & Te Ao Tūroa Wānanga – Reviewing real-world case studies on how artificial intelligence can support hapori Māori in conservation and land use.

About the Symposium

Pūtaiao Symposium 2025 will bring together researchers, educators, iwi leaders, and students to explore the powerful intersections of pūtaiao (science) and mātauranga Māori. Over two days, the event will highlight bold, Indigenous-led research and celebrate the resilience and innovation of Māori in science.

This is the second Pūtaiao Symposium held by Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, building on the success of its inaugural event to continue celebrating Māori innovation and leadership in science.