"Recent discussions about science and mātauranga Māori have highlighted the need for IRANZ members to note our collective support for not only our Māori colleagues but also mātauranga Māori. As a collective, we aim to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges we all face, with an open-minded, inclusive, and bold approach that incorporates values beyond traditional science. In many research facilities, including our members, indigenous and non-indigenous researchers are working in partnership to solve some of these significant challenges. We are committed to upholding the value of mātauranga Māori, and the mana of our Māori colleagues and their marae communities." - Dr John McDermott, IRANZ Chair.
Read our statement: IRANZ & STEMM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, & Mātauranga
Latest news and updates
Lincoln Ag project to create textile fibres from NZ plants
October 2021: Lincoln Agritech has recently been awarded $8.3M from the New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Fund for a five-year research programme aiming to develop novel cellulose fibres regenerated from New Zealand plant resources for textile use.
The research collaborators in the programme, led by Lincoln Agritech Ltd, include The Ferrier Institute, SCION, and AgResearch, who will work in partnership with Ngāti Whare and Ngai Tūhoe to combine expertise in cellulose sourcing, cellulose chemistry, fibre spinning, textile performance, and Mātauranga Māori. The aim is to develop the basis for a new industry exporting a substantial volume of regenerated cellulose fibres derived from dedicated plantations. It is further intended to divert current streams of lower value or waste cellulose material and foster the development of high-end textiles made by New Zealand designers with embedded Mātauranga Māori.
Brain Research Institute to collaborate on stuttering study
October 2021: A collaboration between the New Zealand Brain Research Institute and University of Canterbury researcher, Dr Catherine Theys, has recently received a research grant from Canterbury Medical Research Foundation to investigate, for the first time, how stuttering therapy changes brain function in children who stutter. With these findings, they aim to improve treatment, and have a positive impact on the lives of the 80 million people who kikikiki/stutter and their whānau worldwide.
At least one in twenty pre-schoolers in Aotearoa New Zealand develops stuttering. While many recover, spontaneously or with early speech-language therapy, a significant proportion do not. For the 1% of the population with persistent stuttering, there is currently no cure. Treatments are demanding and effects are often not maintained.
Communicating effectively with others is essential for a person’s hauora (physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing). For those who stutter or kikikiki, everyday communication is a struggle.