Research Director Appointed At Auckland University

World expert in integration of indigenous knowledge and science appointed Research Director, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga

Daniel Hikuroa, a world leader in the integration of indigenous knowledge and science, has been appointed Research Director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, a Centre of Research Excellence hosted by The University of Auckland.

Dr Hikuroa is an international expert on integrating indigenous knowledge and science, and he has realised many community based projects ranging from geothermal developments to industrial waste site rehabilitation. For the past three years Dr Hikuroa has been the Community Earth Systems Science Programmes Manager at the University’s Institute of Earth Science & Engineering.

As Research Director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, Dr Hikuroa will continue to investigate the enormous potential that integrating indigenous knowledge and science can yield, both theoretically and practically. He has recently completed a significant research project: “Restoring the mauri to Rotoitipaku (Industrial Waste Site): Implementing Mātauranga in a Scientific Paradigm” The completion of another keystone project, “Harvesting the fruits of Papatūānuku: A Kaitiaki Approach to Geothermal Development”, is imminent. Both projects are exciting as they forge novel solutions and pathways that would not have been reached by either body of knowledge in isolation.

“I am thrilled to be appointed as Research Director at Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. I am excited by the opportunity that this role affords to realise the potential within our mātauranga (indigenous knowledge) which too often lies nascent within our people”.

“Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga is delighted that Daniel Hikuroa has joined our Centre and we are privileged to have him share his research expertise,” says Professor Charles Royal, Director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. “Daniel’s experience will further strengthen our existing research initiatives and will provide a solid foundation for launching new activities in the fields of Māori and indigenous research and development.”

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga is a world-class Centre of Research Excellence consisting of 16 partner research entities and hosted by The University of Auckland. Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga conducts research of relevance to Māori communities and is an important vehicle by which New Zealand continues to be a key player in global indigenous research and affairs. Its research is underpinned by the vision to realise the creative potential of Māori communities and to bring about positive change and transformation in the nation and wider world.

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