NZBio Waikato University Workshop

Chris & Dr James R. Barker from the University of Waikato Management School

An NZBio workshop in collaboration with researchers from the University of Waikato Management School

The aim was to discuss challenges in engaging with citizens and community groups on biotech issues

Attended by around 40 people the workshop was part of an ongoing FRST funded research pogramme to develop "insights on the social and cultural sustainability of biotechnology in New Zealand"

Dr James R. Barker & Dr Karen Cronin of the ESR Integrative Research for Sustainability Group

Janine Cowling, NZBio Coordinator for the Waikato region

ESR Facilitator Jinny Baker at the 'Values & Beliefs' discussion table

Dr Alison Henderson at the 'Stakeholder Relationships' discussion table

Dr Jarrod Haar at the 'Cultural Engagement' discussion table

Venue was Hamilton's WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Art

Geothermal Seminar in Rotorua

Reece Moors from the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology (FRST)

Billed as "Providing information on understanding and growing your geothermal capability" the hui - organised by GNS Science & Te Puni Kokiriand held at the Heritage Hotel - was aimed at Maori owners of landblocks holding geothermal resources. According to the invitation panui: "The prime objective of this seminar is to provide opportunities for the Maori economic sector to engage and focus on successful pathways to commercialising their unique resource potential"

As would be expected the majority of those attending were connected with the larger Ngati Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa trusts & incorporations. Overall the hui provided a good range of subject areas and relevant expertise, with the Chilean speaker Luis Urzura (who is also from the Mapuche people on his mothers side) drawing a particularly good response from the audience

But as with last years geothermal conference the resource potential was overwhelmingly focused on energy rather than extremophiles. This imbalance is difficult to resolve given that the financial cost and therefore risk of an unsuccessful drilling exploration on just one site can be in the region of $7 - 8m; larger than the entire annual funding available from FRST for Maori research & innovation. Better to build deals where the energy companies carry most of the risk rather than the landowners or otherwise focus on local solutions for papakainga

Jim Gray questioning representatives from Environment Bay of Plenty Regional Council (EBOP)
Brian White from the NZ Geothermal Association

"Yes our use of geothermal will be sustainable but the point is our people are broke and want to get the maximum return from their resource" - Jim Gray

Jessica Wiseman and Dougall Gordon from EBOP with their koha bottles of wine

"Vision Matauranga" - Reece Moors and Anna de Raadt of FRST

"In many ways [the use of geothermal resources] has to be led and driven by Maori - I don't see it as being government's role in leading where Maori research & development should go" - Reece Moors

Luis Urzula from Mighty River Power talking with trustees of landblocks in the Taupo area

Alec Wilson being interviewed for the Maori tv channel

Indigenous Knowledge Conference

The Whenua.biz poster presentation highlighted our research on therapeutic properties of the Awheto

The International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge & Development Conference occurred over 15 - 17 October in Rotorua

To download a pdf version of the Whenua.biz poster prepared for the INIHKD Conference click here

R&D Networking at Freos

e-Panui invitation

The kaupapa was about bringing together Maori who work in the R&D sector across our region (the Bay of Plenty - Central North Island) to network and korero in a convivial environment

Invitations were panui'd out. 21 people turned up. Freos put on a fantastic feed. A great night was had by all

Who knows might become an annual event?

Freos in the daylight

Hui at The Pipi Shack Cafe

What better venue, what better coffee...

Whenua.biz hui to progress the 'Kaupapa Advisory Ropu' on their whakaaro around our current projects. The agenda focused much of the discussion on the tikanga and traditional applications associated with the Awheto cordyceps fungi, namely Rongoa & Ta-moko

We thank you all for the tautoko + challenging korero - kia ora Kaihoro, & cheers everybody!