Dr Amanda Black (Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, Whānau-ā-Apanui) is a senior lecturer in bio-protection at Lincoln University. Her research expertise is environmental soil and water biogeochemistry, focusing on soil health . She has recently focused her research on ecosystem resilience, forest health and tree dieback, with a particular focus on investigating disease resistant traits. She is also a founding and executive member of Te Tira Whakamātaki, the Māori Biosecurity Network.
Dr Arama Rata (Ngāti Maniapoto, Taranaki, and Ngāruahine) is a research officer at the National Institute for Demographic and Economic Analysis at the University of Waikato. Broadly speaking, Arama's research foci include Māori cultural engagement, identity, and wellbeing, as well as Māori-migrant relationship building.
Research Officer
National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis
Farah Rangikoepa Palmer is the Director of the Māori Business & Leadership Centre and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Management, College of Business, Massey University. Her teaching and research interests are in the sociology of sport, sport management, leadership and governance as they relate to Māori and women in particular. Dr Palmer was a member of the New Zealand women’s rugby team (Black Ferns) from 1995 to 2006, and captained the team to three World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006).
Jade Le Grice (Ngai Tupoto - Te Rarawa; Ngati Korokoro, Te Pouka, Ngati Wharara, Te Mahurehure - Ngāpuhi) is a Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland. Her research focuses on decolonising praxis - deconstructing dominant cultural norms and legitimating mātauranga Māori in knowledge, health, and education systems. Currently, Jade is particularly interested in Māori sexual and reproductive health, sexual violence prevention, and rangatahi wellbeing in whānau contexts.
Dr John Pirker (Ngāi Tahu) is a lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury. John’s research interests centre around aquaculture, including marine ecology, marine algae and evolution and behaviour within marine ecological systems. In addition to his research, John is also involved in the Māori Research Advisory Group (MRAG) and Marine Ecology Research Group (MERG)
Dr Michelle Thompson-Fawcett (Ngāti Whātua) is a Professor and the Head of the Department of Geography at the University of Otago. She has over 30 years’ experience in planning practice and university teaching and research.
