The call for more young Māori to explore pathways in science was powerfully delivered at the Pūtaiao Research Symposium 2025, held in Whangārei. Led by the University’s Faculty of Science and held at Te Puna o Te Mātauranga Marae, NorthTec, in collaboration with the University’s Tai Tokerau Campus, the event celebrated Māori innovation and resilience in research, education and community-led science. Mana whenua keynote speaker, Matua Taipari Munro (Te Tai Tokerau), an educator and Te Amorangi at NorthTec, said rangatahi play an important role in the future of science.

“The important thing is to bring science to our people and encourage our young people to move into the sciences,” he said.